Intel Capital, Intel's global investment organization, today announced an agreement to acquire a $20 million stake in Telligent Systems, makers of social computing solutions and business intelligence tools. Based in Dallas, Telligent will utilize the funds to expand its sales teams and territories, including growth in international markets, as well as increase its marketing and advertising initiatives and product development plans. "Intel Capital makes strategic global investments to help provide enterprises with the latest tools they need for growth, innovation, productivity improvement and cost savings," said Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital and executive vice-president of Intel.

"These social media applications offered by Telligent will help push the boundaries of online collaboration and communication allowing companies to be more efficient and productive."

"The way people work together is changing and communication is happening in real-time at a much faster pace," says Telligent CEO Rob Howard. "This significant investment from Intel Capital will allow us to grow our team, our capabilities and our reach during a time of market expansion."

"Telligent's software solution brings the latest networking tools to the enterprise -- helping to advance teamwork and interaction between employers, employees and customers in a global landscape -- and will be a significant part of Intel Capital's growing portfolio of Enterprise 2.0 investments," said Lisa Lambert, managing director, Software & Solutions, Intel Capital.

Telligent's flagship product, Community Server , is an enterprise social computing platform with more than 3,000 customers and was among the first to offer a suite-based social collaboration solution. Community Server includes blogging, Web discussions, videos, Really Simple Syndication (RSS), wiki and rich user profiles.

Telligent has completed an initial closing with Intel Capital with the remainder of its stake to be acquired within twelve months subject to certain closing conditions.