Storage service Dropbox has bought Clementine, a work communication app. Details of the deal between the two services have not been disclosed extensively, with only Clementine releasing a statement on the acquisition. Reports of the deal have started making rounds online on July 22, the same day the collaboration app released its statement.
The enterprise application announced on a blog post that it will be joining Dropbox. The deal seeks to widen user engagement and reach for Clementine. Dropbox is a free online USB used in both mobile and desktop, and has been officially launched in 2008.
Says Clementine of the recent acquisition, "Our mission and passion for workplace collaboration remains the same. Our stage will grow dramatically as Dropbox builds on our technology to engage with its over 400 million users and 100,000 businesses."
The startup also indicated that its free service will shut down beginning August 31, 2015, following the purchase. The Clementine team promised its users assistance in transitioning as the app closes down.
Clementine combines voice call and messaging features for efficient communication and collaboration in the workplace. The service launched in September last year, and has been under development since 2013.
The service lets users have a separate Clementine phone number, unlimited texts for an affordable cost, and one-on-one messaging that makes for a work-centered interaction. Dropbox is said to be building from the existing Clementine technology.
The storage service has MIT and Hardrock Cafe among its well-known business users. Dropbox has been founded in San Francisco, California, and is translated and available in 17 different languages. The file-hosting service synchronizes a special folder in the computer with other devices via the Dropbox account. The folder then appears as the same one for all devices.
The service has its competitors in similar apps like Box and Egnyte. In May, Ilya Fushman, who helped in developing the app's business tool, left Dropbox. It has since added more features to attract new users. The acquisition of Clementine seems to be a follow up step to gain new clients.
