Microsoft Corp. today announced the acquisition of eight .NET-based application adapters from iWay Software to be made available by Microsoft in early 2006. This acquisition reflects Microsoft�s commitment to BizTalk� Server by providing customers with a single architecture, customer support and licensing process. In addition to the adapters in Microsoft�s newly expanded portfolio, iWay and other industry partners will continue to deliver additional adapters that address the needs of enterprise customers.

�We�re committed to making Microsoft� BizTalk Server the most complete offering for our customers. Part of that commitment is providing adapters for the most commonly used line-of-business applications and technologies,� said Ted Kummert, corporate vice president of the Business Process and Integration Division at Microsoft. �Our existing adapter partners will continue to be a critical part of our strategy to provide total connectivity in complex IT environments.�

The adapters Microsoft purchased will help BizTalk Server customers connect more easily to third-party applications from Amdocs, JD Edwards, Oracle Corp., PeopleSoft, Siebel Systems Inc. and TIBCO Software Inc. iWay customers that have purchased licenses for the .NET-based adapters will receive a license for the corresponding Microsoft adapter with the purchase of Software Assurance.

Microsoft will continue to support iWay and other partners that provide adapters which connect to more than 250 applications and technologies.