Microsoft + Softomotive: What Does This Deal Mean For RPA (Robotic Process Automation)?

Microsoft + Softomotive: What Does This Deal Mean For RPA (Robotic Process Automation)? Tom Taulli Contributor Entrepreneurs I write about tech & finance.BERLIN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 27: Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, speaks with Herbert Diess, CEO of ... [+] GETTY IMAGESAt Microsoft’s Build conference this week, CEO Satya Nadella announced the acquisition of  Softomotive , which is a top RPA (Robotic Process Automation) vendor. This technology allows for the automation of repetitive and tedious processes, such as with legacy IT systems. Keep in mind that Microsoft recently launched a new version of its own platform, called Power Automate, and also led a venture round in an AI-based RPA company,  FortressIQ  (here’s a  Forbes.com post I wrote about it ). So let’s get a quick background on Softomotive: Founded in 2005, the company was one of the pioneers of the RPA industry. It initially focused on developing a visual scripting system, using VBScript, for desktop automation. Softomotive would then go on to evolve the platform, such as by creating ProcessRobot for larger enterprises. As of now, there are over 9,000 customers across the globe. Interestingly enough, Microsoft will make the Softomotive’s WinAutomation application free for those who have an attended licence for Power Automate. Today In:  Entrepreneurs What Brands Need To Know About The Dark Web Kill Budgeting Or Kill Your Business Why Covid-19 Could Help Brompton Ride To American Success OK then, so what are some of the takeaways of this deal? What might this mean for RPA? Here’s a look: Param Kahlon, the Chief Product Officer at  UiPath : PROMOTEDSAP BRANDVOICE | Paid Program 2020 Vision: How Will You Move Forward In The Year Of The Pandemic? Oracle BRANDVOICE | Paid Program 3 Big Questions HR Wants Analytics To Answer Civic Nation BRANDVOICE | Paid Program COVID-19’s Threat To Native Communities Microsoft has long talked about their interest in RPA. As the fastest growing software category per Gartner, this has never really been a surprise. First, Microsoft had Microsoft Flow for a number of years. And then they renamed it to Power Automate last year. And, now they are going to integrate another tool. The reality is that making RPA work easy and at scale for enterprise customers is not easy.We are happy to compete with a company like Microsoft in this space. We do not underestimate Microsoft. This will force us to invest even more in R&D. Adam Mansfield, the commercial advisory practice leader at  UpperEdge : Given Microsoft’s acquisition of RPA vendor, Softomotive, the most obvious takeaway is that it further legitimizes the technology or at least for those that were still on the fence. Will RPA be able to ramp or become more legitimate and utilized?  That question has just been answered. Historically, when Microsoft makes an investment, it is a strong indicator that the technology is being taken seriously at a much larger scale.There have been...