Acquires the assets of the provider who currently powers the MSN Alerts service and plans to extend alerts to newer content channels.

MSN, recently announced that it has acquired all the assets of MessageCast Inc., a provider of automated alerting and messaging technology that currently supports the MSN Alerts service.

According to MSN, the acquisition builds on the robust MSN Alerts platform, enabling tighter integration with the MessageCast technology. It also extends MSN Alerts to new content channels, helping to expand the ability of MSN to connect consumers to their information requirements.

MSN will continue to support current MessageCast customers and address their needs as part of the acquisition. Royal P. Farros, the co-founder and chief executive officer of MessageCast, will work closely with the MSN Alerts team during the transition.

"This acquisition is the natural progression of our relationship with MessageCast," said Blake Irving, corporate vice president for the MSN Communication Services and Member Platform group at Microsoft Corp. "Integrating MessageCast's innovative technology, great people and products into MSN will improve our ability to help consumers maintain timely, relevant connections to the information and people that matter most to them."