Microsoft is negotiating to acquire RPA (robotic process automation) software provider Softomotive, Bloomberg reports. The potential deal, if consummated, would position Microsoft against fast-growth RPA software providers such as Automation Anywhere and UiPath.Updated May 19, 2020: Microsoft officially acquires SoftomotiveRPA software allows businesses to write code and bots that rapidly automate tasks across multiple departments — from IT service desks to HR, finance, customer support and more. Much of the RPA software industry focuses on enterprise customers. Still, RPA may even eventually catch on in the SMB market as MSPs seek to further automate internal and customer operations.Related Report, May 6, 2020: Microsoft seeks to acquire CyberX for IIoT security. MSSP implications explained The company in 2018 raised $25 million in Series A capital from Grafton Capital.Meanwhile, Microsoft has its own RPA software called Power Automate (previously Microsoft Flow). It's explained here:ChannelE2E does not know if Softomotive and Microsoft Power Automate are complementary in nature.Neither Microsoft nor Softomotive have commented about the alleged M&A discussions.
Softomotive & Microsoft Power Automate
Amid that backdrop, Softomotive has quietly grown from its 2006 launch to support more than 8,000 customers. A reseller program, launched in 2011, has supported that growth.Softomotive's flagship products include:- WinAutomation -- a desktop automation tool for small teams.
- ProcessRobot -- for enterprise RPA development.