Newcastle-based business software firm Sage has bought compliance and document tracking technology from Virginia developer VerticalFalls Software.

Sage now owns the intellectual property which it says will enable it to better meet the needs of financial services customers. It'll be integrating the code into its ACT! range, for which it claims 2.5 million business users.

ACT! SVP Joe Bergera said: "By integrating ACT! with the acquired VerticalFalls technology...we will deliver business critical contact management and compliance features that brokerage firms, financial advisors and others need."

VerticalFalls will continue to run a professional service business, reselling the integrated solution from Sage.

VerticalFalls is, of course, a a profoundly silly name. Anyone who has seen a horizontal falls is advised to contact NASA immediately. ®