Microsoft has acquired software firm media-streams.com, which it hopes will help it make serious progress in the seemingly lucrative IP telephony business. The company already acquired Teleo in August, with the aim of adding Skype-like services to MSN Messenger.

The purchase of media-streams.com takes the trend in a new direction, with applications designed specifically for businesses, Microsoft said. The company's technology will be integrated with Microsoft's corporate messaging products as well as the flagship Office suite.