Internet company AOL has announced the acquisition of a start-up that specialises in widget development and analytics applications.San Diego-based Goowy was founded in 2004 by Alex Bard, Gary Benitt, Jeremy Suriel and Sashi Bommakanty, and provides a technology platform and tools that allow developers to create and syndicate widgets and report on their use, as well as offering an advertising service based on widgets.
Goowy also runs yourminis.com, which enables web users to search for widgets to install in their blogs, and Goowy Webtop, a package of consumer tools such as a multiple-network instant messenger, email, calendar, contacts, file storage and games.
It has previously worked with AOL to create widgets for the myAOL portal. The firm will be integrated into AOL as a wholly-owned subsidiary within its products division.
"Consumers are increasingly creating their own online experiences and Goowy's widget technology will allow us to reach audiences wherever they are," commented Ron Grant, president and chief operating officer of AOL.
"This acquisition adds a new facet of widget-based advertising to our robust set of solutions available through Platform-A."
Co-founder Mr Bard added that he believed Goowy's platform and services were an "obvious fit" with AOL's web advertising strategy and that the company would be expanding its widget products throughout AOL's network.
Goowy was shortlisted as a finalist in the technical achievement category at the tenth Annual SXSW Web Awards last year.
