RIM Acquires PBX Software Developer

Seemingly undeterred by its recent lawsuit fight with patent holding company NTP, Research In Motion said Friday it would acquire Ascendent Systems, a San Jose, Calif.-based maker of software to connect cell phones and corporate phone systems.

The purchase would enable RIM to connect its BlackBerry devices in a similar fashion. Ascendent would become a wholly owned subsidiary of RIM. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Features of Ascendent's technology would be integrated into BlackBerry software later in the year. Single voicemails for both office and cell phone, as well as PBX dial tone, call transfer and hold, 4 or 5 digit dialing and conference calling capabilities to mobile users will also become possible.

Ascendent had previously been a partner of RIM's through its ISV program, but up until now the software applications of the two companies had been sold separately. With the acquisition, the software would be merged.

"This deal allows us to further extend and enhance the use of wireless communications in the enterprise by offering a voice mobility solution that helps customers align their mobile voice and data strategies," RIM chairman and co-CEO Jim Balsillie said in a statement.

Balsillie denies any notion that the acquisition had been put on hold pending the settlement with NTP. He said the company had been working on the acquisition during the settlement process.