NewsStrategy

Microsoft announced today to acquire enterprise social networks service provider Yammer for US$1.2 billion in cash.

Launched in 2008, Yammer provides a standalone private social network service for corporate users on cross devices, including iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry and Windows.

Moving forward, Microsoft plans to accelerate Yammer's adoption alongside complementary offerings from Microsoft SharePoint, Office 365, Microsoft Dynamics and Skype.

Upon the acquisition, Yammer will join the Microsoft Office division, led by division president Kurt DelBene, and the team will continue to report to current CEO David Sacks.

"Yammer adds a best-in-class enterprise social networking service to Microsoft's growing portfolio of complementary cloud services," said Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer.