Microsoft to purchase Fast Search & Transfer

Microsoft announced today plans to acquire Norwegian enterprise search software provider Fast Search & Transfer (FAST), for about $1.2 billion.

In a press statement, Microsoft Vice President Jeff Raikes said FAST's software would help Microsoft strengthen its enterprise search offerings, as well as complement Microsoft's increasingly popular SharePoint enterprise collaboration software.

'This is a really good buy for Microsoft, putting it straight into the top league," noted Mike Davis, a senior analyst at information technology research firm Ovum.

The General Services Administration's FirstGov.gov government search portal (since renamed USA.gov) used the FAST software, through a deal with AT&T. The GSA has since replaced that implementation with one run by Microsoft and Vivisimo.

About the Author

Joab Jackson is the senior technology editor for Government Computer News.

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