Microsoft Corp. invested in a maker of telecommunications software, a sign of the software maker's challenges and ambitions in the market for communications software used by businesses.

The Redmond, Wash., company said it has formed a partnership with Aspect Software Inc., a maker of software for routing telephone calls in businesses. The deal includes Microsoft taking an equity stake in Aspect, the companies said. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

Microsoft Invests In Telecoms Software Maker Aspect [online.wsj.com]