A Rational purchase

Rational Software buys Microsoft Visual Test, a software quality automation tool, for $23 million.

Jeff Pelline Staff Writer, CNET News.com

Jeff Pelline is editor of CNET News.com. Jeff promises to buy a Toyota Prius once hybrid cars are allowed in the carpool lane with solo drivers.

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Jeff Pelline

Oct. 2, 1996 6:45 p.m. PT

Rational Software (RATL) said today it has bought Microsoft Visual Test, a software quality automation tool, for $23 million in cash.

Microsoft said the sale will allow it to focus on development environments such as the Visual Basic programming system, the Visual C++ development system, and the Visual J++ development tool.

The acquisition further extends Rational's product lines for Windows 95 and Windows NT. The company said the purchase would dilute its earnings for the quarter ended December 31.

"Visual Test is a key element of Rational's strategy," said Rational chief executive Paul Levy.

Added Bob Muglia, vice president of Microsoft: "The combination of Rational and Microsoft tools provides a scalable end-to-end solution for enterprise and Internet application development."