Microsoft to Buy Web Management Firm

Software giant Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday said it has agreed to buy NetCarta Corp., which makes Web management and navigation tools for computer networks, for $20 million in cash.

The acquisition of the Scotts Valley-based company will give Microsoft a comprehensive product for developing Internet Web sites and the internal corporate networks called intranets.

Microsoft said it planned to use its marketing and distribution channels to sell NetCarta’s WebMapper software to a broader customer base. Microsoft will integrate the WebMapper Web site management tool into its Microsoft BackOffice software package.

“Microsoft is committed to delivering a comprehensive content management solution that enables customers to easily track, monitor, control and replicate Web content and changes throughout an . . . intranet or Internet site,” said Anthony Bay, general manager for Microsoft’s Internet services business unit.

Key NetCarta employees, including NetCarta’s co-founder and chief technical officer, Rory Stark, will join the Internet services business unit, the company said.

NetCarta is a unit of CMG Information Services Inc.

Microsoft stock rose 12.5 cents to close at $81.875, and CMG Information Services rose $1.75 to close at $19.125. Both trade on Nasdaq.