Further bringing its alert service in-house, Microsoft announced late Wednesday it had acquired MessageCast, a company that had been providing MSN Alert capabilities to Web sites and blogs. MSN had been working with MessageCast since 2003 to provide both free and fee-based services to its customers.

Current customers will continue to be supported by MSN, and the two companies will work together to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

"This acquisition is the natural progression of our relationship with MessageCast," said Blake Irving, corporate vice president for the MSN Communication Services and Member Platform group.

Users who attempted to go to MessageCas'ts website on Thursday were directed to a signup page on the MSN Web site, which appeared similar to the old Web site except for the design. No mention was made of pay services on the site.

"Integrating MessageCast's innovative technology, great people and products into MSN will improve our ability to help consumers maintain timely, relevant connections to the information and people that matter most to them," said Irving.

Wednesday's acquisition follows a pattern by Microsoft to stop licensing its alerts and sign-in services to outside companies, unless Redmond is controlling the delivery. eBay, Microsoft largest Alerts customer, dropped support for the service earlier this year.