AOL announced Monday that it acquired Userplane, a developer of chat and instant-messaging software, in a move to enhance its community networking offerings.
Los Angeles-based Userplane develops Web-based chat tools used by such companies as MySpace.com, Honda and Date.com. The company, which will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL, has licensed its technology to more than 100,000 Web sites since its founding in 2001. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"Userplane will expand and extend the reach and relevance of the AOL instant-messaging franchise," Ted Leonsis, AOL Audience Business president, said in a statement.
Userplane's chat and instant-messaging services are distributed to monthly subscribers based on usage, or through a free, ad-supported model. The company also allows users to place its advertising inventory on its site, under a revenue-sharing agreement. The company said its technology is designed to be easily integrated into various Web services.
Web giant is spending $120 million to beef up its Mountain View, Calif., headquarters, according to filings with the city reviewed by the San Jose Mercury News.
The Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 S6500 could make its debut at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona later this month, according to a leaked promotional image.
MIT creates a simulation to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Spacewar. A relic of the early days of minicomputers, it was one of the first computer video games and set the stage for many others, including Asteroids.
Join the conversation