SCO buys Web services start-up
Published: 22 Jul 2003 15:20 BST
Unix software maker SCO Group on Tuesday acquired Vultus, a start-up that has developed software for creating Web-based applications.
SCO said that it will incorporate the Vultus software into SCOx, a set of tools for building Web services applications. Web services is a set of XML-based standards that make it easier to share data between disparate systems. Using Vultus' WebFace tools, a software programmer or SCO reseller can build a Web interface for a desktop PC to Web services applications that run on corporate servers.
According to SCO, the Vultus acquistition will be a "strategic" step for its Web services play. "SCO is targeting Web services as a platform for growth," Jeff Hunsaker, senior vice president of marketing at SCO, said in statement.
The Vultus WebFace development tools simplify the task of building Web-based applications that have a so-called rich client interface, or applications with the visual navigation and presentation typically found in desktop computer-based applications like Microsoft Office. A Web browser interface is more limited in its ability to manipulate data on the desktop or use windows to present information.
Vultus is one of a handful of companies that have developed tools for building more functional Web-based applications, including Curl, Versalent and Nexaweb Technologies.
The WebFace software and tools are available immediately from SCO, the company said.
SCO is at the centre of industry turmoil around the Linux operating system. The company, which sells Unix operating systems and associated tools, is suing IBM over breach of contract and trade-secret theft. On Monday, SCO said it had gained a copyright that will allow it to charge licence fees for use of the Linux operating system.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
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