Microsoft Acquires Aha Software Corp.

Microsoft Corp. on Monday acquired Aha Software Corp., a private company that developed an electronic ink program for handheld computers.

Terms were not disclosed.

Using a pen-like stylus, Aha’s software allows people to edit electronic handwriting in the same manner that text is edited on a word processing program. For instance, when a handwritten word is deleted, the rest of the sentence rearranges itself.

But the first handheld computers have been deficient in other basic functions, sparking little demand. AT&T stopped selling EO after just a few months.

Microsoft’s primary interest is picking up Aha’s patented technology to blend into its future products. The technical team of about a dozen people at the Mountain View, Calif.-based Aha will join Microsoft.