(September 1 2005) Microsoft has bought Teleo , a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) company.

This is part of a strategy to catch up to Google and Yahoo! on the instant messaging front.

Teleo’s software allows customers to use their PC to make different kinds of VoIP calls: to cell phones, regular phone or PCs.

There is also the option of “click to call” dialing, which lets you call any telephone number that appears on your computer screen by the click of a mouse button.

The technology of Teleo is expected to enhance the integration of rich voice capabilities throughout MSN communication and information services, but the new Teleo/Microsoft home page especially mentions MSN Messenger.