Microsoft beefs up its ranks in an effort to fuel the acceleration of speech recognition. Yesterday, May 3, 2007, the Redmond Company announced that all the retails related to the acquisition of Tellme Networks were completed. Microsoft initially announced plans to take over the Mountain View-based provider of voice services.

"Tellme was founded with the idea that anyone should be able to simply say what they want and get it from any device, starting with the phone," said Mike McCue, co-founder and CEO of Tellme, back in mid March. "Now, with Microsoft, we'll be able to extend that vision to millions of businesses and consumers around the world."

According to the original announcement from Microsoft, Tellme's speech recognition technology - which is just one aspect of the software plus services business strategy - will immediately find its way into the company's flagship products.

Microsoft revealed that the Tellme technology will be used to enhance a range of Microsoft voice enabled applications, with Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System at the top of the list alongside Windows Mobile and Windows Automotive.

"Microsoft Corp. today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Tellme Networks Inc., the Mountain View, Calif.-based provider of voice services for everyday life, including nationwide directory assistance, enterprise customer service and voice-enabled mobile search. Tellme, which has more than 320 employees, will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft from its Mountain View, Calif., offices. Tellme CEO Mike McCue will remain as Tellme's senior leader and will report to Jeff Raikes, president of the Microsoft Business Division," Microsoft stated via a press release.