Microsoft Buys Imaging Firm Vexcel

Microsoft on Thursday announced its second acquisition related to the company's new Virtual Earth business unit, buying imaging and remote sensor specialist Vexcel Corp. Vexcel's employees will join the Redmond company and help build out its 2D and 3D mapping capabilities.

Microsoft says that Vexcel's technology will allow it to more quickly expand aerial, bird’s-eye and street-side imagery in its consumer and business applications. "Aligning Vexcel’s talent, expertise, products and services with our vision, resources and offerings will enable us to deliver on our vision better than ever before," said Virtual Earth general manager Stephen Lawler. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.