Microsoft poised to purchase speech recognition firm

CNet is reporting that Microsoft is close to buying a speech recognition company called Tellme Networks and an annoucement could be made this week. Tellme allows users to get Internet information over the telephone and also provides services that enable businesses to offer automated data and directory assistance info over the phone. The purchase would fit Microsoft’s intention of merging voice and data, according to the CNet story. Computerworld has a roundup of what the bloggers are saying about this expected purchase.