The American software company Microsoft is embracing Norwegian internet search technology. At the beginning of January, the company bought Fast Search and Transfer (FAST).
18/01/2008 :: “FAST is a world leader in business search solutions based on the best business search technology, and we are world leaders in the field of productivity-enhancing software. We are convinced that the combination of our strengths will give our business clients a competitive advantage,” says Microsoft Norway’s Head of Communications, Eirik Lae-Solberg, to the Norwegian online newspaper digi.no.
“This acquisition gives FAST an exciting way to spread our cutting-edge search technologies and innovations to more and more organizations across the world,” says John Markus Lervik, CEO and founder of FAST, in a press release.
FAST develops search technology for businesses, databases and the internet. The company was established in Trondheim in 1997, and today has 500 employees spread all over the world. Microsoft has paid NOK 19 per share, giving the company a value of NOK 6.6 billion.
Norwegian companies are at the forefront of internet technology, and particularly the development of multi-functional web- and intranet sites, fast web browsers, online games and e-business solutions.
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs