Yahoo! Snaps Up Social Media Data Firm Vizify

Search engine giant Yahoo! has bought social media data visualization specialist Vizify for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2011 by Todd Silverstein, Jeff Cutler-Stamm and Eli Tucker, Vizify offers proprietary technology that enables users to create interactive infographics and videos based on their social media activity, including data about what they share online. Following the acquisition, the firm's product will be shelved as the team of five joins Yahoo's media product division in San Francisco.

In a statement on its site, Vizify said: 'We've found a partner who shared our passion for user experience, design, and visualizing information. Ultimately, we just couldn't say no to the opportunity to bring our vision to the hundreds of millions of people who use Yahoo every day. As for what's next, we can't talk specifics just yet, but we're excited to bring a more visual approach to data at Yahoo.'

In December, Yahoo! acquired natural language processing technology startup SkyPhrase, which develops technology to enable computers to understand human language and intentions. Earlier in the year it made three other social media services acquisitions: Beijing-based analysis firm Ztelic, polling service GoPollGo, and recommendation firm Jybe.

Web sites: www.yahoo.com and www.vizify.com .