Microsoft To Acquire Business Intelligence Vendor ProClarity

Microsoft said Monday it has agreed to acquire ProClarity Corp., a maker of business intelligence software, for an undisclosed amount.

ProClarity makes software for analyzing business data that Microsoft said is used by more than 1,200 customers in conjunction with Microsoft's own products, such as its SQL Server database. The companies' sales forces also work together closely.

Microsoft is increasing development and marketing of business intelligence software. Last year, the company introduced a new version of SQL Server with enhanced analysis tools, along with a "Business Scorecard Manager" product that lets managers track key numbers in their business. The company is also testing the next version of its productivity suite, Office 2007, due next year, which is slated to include an Excel server and a new version of SharePoint server designed to deliver data from business apps to desktop PCs more quickly. ProClarity's software includes advanced analysis and data visualization capabilities that would complement those products, Microsoft said.

Shares of Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) were up 39 cents at $37.60 in early afternoon trading Monday.