The latest deal makers include Autodesk, Google, and Exact
By Staff -- Manufacturing Business Technology, 11/1/2005 7:00:00 AM
Google and Sun Microsystems say they'll offer office productivity tools in a direct challenge to Microsoft's own Office products. Some Sun programs, when downloaded, will include Google's toolbar. Although the vendors did not say how Google will deliver the programs—or whether or when they will be available on Google's sites—the offering, called OpenOffice.org, is an open-source product that is compatible with all major office products. It also has a Presentation Manager program said to compete with Microsoft PowerPoint.
Autodeskwill acquire 3D graphics technology developer Alias for $182 million in cash, increasing Autodesk's design offerings for the consumer products and automotive segments, among others. Alias had revenue of $83 million for fiscal year ending June 30. It offers sketching, animation, visual effects, design modeling, rendering, and review technologies. Alias was spun off from Silicon Graphics in June 2004 for approximately $58 million.
Exact Software bought midmarket ERP and business intelligence vendor Vanguard Solutions Group to complement Exact's e-Synergy Web-based collaboration platform. Vanguard Solutions becomes a division of Exact Software North America, which also includes the Macola, JobBOSS, MAX, and Alliance/MFG divisions.
