This acquisition is expected to significantly broaden 8x8’s technological expertise and service offerings in the contact center software space for hosted SaaS (Software as a Service) offerings. It also brings into the 8x8 portfolio the only service offerings not owned and developed by 8x8.

Contactual’s (News - Alert) contact center software has been part of the 8x8 portfolio since 2007. This investment is considered to be strategic as one of several initiatives implemented by 8x8 to advance its mission of becoming the leading provider of broad-based cloud communications and IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) solutions.

"Together, 8x8 and Contactual become a formidable competitor in the customer interaction management and contact center space," said 8x8 Chairman & CEO Bryan Martin (News - Alert), in a company release. "With our combined resources, longevity in the market and proven solution, we are in a unique and powerful position to quickly and effectively meet the needs of the growing number of businesses seeking non-premise, cloud-based call center services."

8x8 anticipates this acquisition will be immediately accretive to its full fiscal year net income after any one-time costs associated with the acquisition and amortization expenses are excluded.

For the 2010 calendar year, Contactual’s revenue was roughly $8.3 million, inclusive of roughly 10 percent of revenue received from 8x8. The unaudited revenue captured by Contactual in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011, was approximately $2.5 million and $4.9 million, including of the roughly 9 percent of revenue received from 8x8 during each period.

As part of this contact center software transaction, 32 former Contactual employees have joined 8x8.

8x8 made its mark on the industry with the development of cloud-based VoIP, mobile video and unified communications solutions. The company leverages its patented software technologies to offer SaaS (News - Alert) applications to businesses of any size. All solutions are designed to meet the highest levels of reliability, availability and scalability.