Google grabs Global IP Solutions for $78m

Google has announced plans to acquire Voice over IP (VoIP) processing firm Global IP Solutions (GIPS) in a cash offer valued at US$68.2m ($78.4m).

GIPS has welcomed the approach, saying that the companies could accelerate and transform IP communications, and bring improved audio and video to web users.

"The web is evolving quickly as a development platform, and real-time video and audio communication over the internet are becoming important new tools for users," said Rian Liebenberg, engineering director at Google.

"GIPS provides high-quality, real-time audio and video over an IP network, and we are looking forward to working with the GIPS team to continue innovating for the web platform."

GIPS works with applications developers, service providers and network equipment vendors on its media IP technology, and customers include Nortel, Oracle, Samsung, WebEx, Yahoo and AOL.

"This is an exciting milestone for GIPS as we join Google with a shared vision to transform and accelerate IP communications," said Emerick Woods, global IP solutions chief executive at GIPS.

Woods added that the company expects to continue as usual, reassuring current users that they will continue to be supported under the new owners.

"With Google's global reach, scale and widely recognised leadership, we are confident that our existing customers will be fully supported while we continue to enhance and extend our products and technology at Google," he said.

Google has already spent $145m (£96m) this year acquiring nine companies.