BlackBerry makers Research in Motion (RIM) have acquired Tungle for an undisclosed sum.
Tungle is a cloud-based calendar and scheduling service, which works with Google, Yahoo, Facebook, TripIt, Plancast, Outlook, iCal, LotusNotes, LotusLive, and WindowsLive.
RIM VP, Collaboration and Social Networking Tom Gorguen says, “BlackBerry is a fantastic solution for connecting users to the people and information that matter most throughout their day. By working with Tungle to add cloud-based, cross-platform calendar capabilities to the BlackBerry platform we can further enrich our customers’ experience with BlackBerry and continue to help them get things done.”
A statement from Tungle CEO Marc Gingras on Tungle’s blog says:
Tungle has been acquired by Research In Motion (RIM).
We’re really excited about this. We know there isn’t an industry more exciting than the smartphone and tablet markets. And RIM is a dominant player in this space.
And they’re Canadian, eh?
This is exciting for you too as we expect the Tungle service to only get better. Our plan today is what it has always been – for Tungle to become integrated with your daily activities and be ubiquitous within the applications you’re already using. When you think scheduling, Tungle should be at your fingertips.
As of today, the entire team is joining the ranks of RIM. It’s playoff season and the Tungle team is focusing on putting the puck in the net for you, our customers.
You have kept us on our toes, given us great ideas and most importantly, have been great supporters. For that, we thank you.
Our objective is to keep innovation at the forefront – to be rebels in our own way. Think, Create, Innovate.
Based on the comments Tungle is receiving about its news, it would appear there is some concern from customers as to how the acquisition will affect the service. One of their Facebook fans says, “There goes the Apple support out the window… Darn, I better print new business cards. 🙁 No wonder you guys never fixed the new iCal support. Looks like I’ll need to find myself a new tool. Good news for you guys, BAD news for Apple users…”
Another responds, “Doubtful that they are going to drop iPhone/Mac support, since Tungle is useful based on being available on all platforms..”
RIM is extending its own BlackBerry Messaging to Android and iOS, so it does indeed seem doubtful that it would shutdown Apple support.