Have you ever heard of Marratech? Most people in the company's home base of Sweden probably haven't either.

But Google has.

The search engine giant has just purchased the rights to Marratech's video-conferencing software. Google has acquired just the technology itself -- not the entire company. (Source: googleblog.blogspot.com)

For now, the program will just be used internally by Google. That news is sure to disappoint tech-heads looking forward to trying the technology out.

However, there may be a glimmer of hope: Marratech's program may eventually be integrated into Google services such as G-Talk and Google Docs and Spreadsheets. (Source: informationweek.com)

If Google does eventually go public with Marratech's video conferencing program, it will position them as a direct competitor to Microsoft's similar NetMeeting software.

"As a company, we thrive on casual interactions and spontaneous collaboration," Google Vice President of Engineering, Douglas Merrill, wrote on the company's official blog. "So we're excited about acquiring Marratech's video conferencing software, which will enable from-the-desktop participation for Googlers in videoconference meetings wherever there's an Internet connection."

Marratech will remain in charge of developing the software. "We look forward to learning from the extraordinary ingenuity of Marratech's engineers as they focus on desktop conferencing research and development in Sweden, where they will continue to be located," Merrill stated on Google's blog site. (Source: informationweek.com)

The official Marratech website confirms Merrill's statement. The Swedish company promises that it "will continue to serve and support its customer base and reseller network," even though its video conferencing technology has been sold to Google. (Source: marratech.com)