Indicating they’re looking seriously beyond just personal computers, Yahoo has bought a small startup whose technology is designed to let you move digital content from your computer to your cell phone and other mobile devices.
The Internet portal and search engine would not say how much they paid for WUF Networks, a year-old Redwood City-based startup, but a spokeswoman told reporters the company was noted in a stock compensation filing Yahoo made with the Securities and Exchange Commission this week.
All Yahoo would say about the buy was that they made the deal November 2, and that they would use the WUF technology to extend critical Yahoo services beyond the desktop—including digital music, instant messaging, and streaming video. A month earlier, Yahoo broadened a partnership with SBC Communications aimed at bringing new services to cell phones and digital media recorders.
Meanwhile, Yahoo also earned a partnership renewal with the GOT Corporation, which Yahoo named once more to be its exclusive provider of e-mail marketing tools for Yahoo customers. This involves Yahoo using GOT Campaigner, a self-serve marketing tool aimed at boosting sales, generating leads, building Website traffic, and building customer relationships.
"The partnership between Yahoo! and GOT has delivered a tremendous amount of value to small businesses, enabling them to cost-effectively generate revenue, build brand and strengthen customer relationships," said GOT chief executive Eric Melka.
GOT Campaigner will continue being available by way of Yahoo Small Business properties including Merchant Solutions, Web hosting, and marketing tools, and through GeoCities and Yahoo SBC.
"Yahoo has always taken a customer-centric approach to developing their products and services,” Melka said. “We're thrilled that Yahoo! turned to us to develop the complimentary marketing tools that their Small Business customers are asking for."
