iSkoot has acquired Social.IM, the social network IM client. This acquisition positions iSkoot to grow beyond mobile VoIP and create a compelling and valuable consumer solution with a growing lineup of Web communications that can be integrated and pushed to your phone.

Social.IM built a customizable desktop application and Web service that adds real-time communication and desktop notifications for social networks, online communities, and Web sites. The technology includes a desktop IM client and also the capability to deliver new message alerts, information, and content to social network or online community members. Social.IM also released a developer API that allows for social network application developers to reach their users on desktop.

iSkoot already delivers mobile VoIP solutions for carriers and millions of consumers around the world. But this year, the mobile VoIP leader has begun to focus on the development of mobile products and services that integrate the mission-critical Web services that consumers value most into mobile handsets.

The acquisition is the latest in a series of significant developments for iSkoot. Earlier this year, the company hired CEO Mark Jacobstein, an experienced mobile services executive who played key roles at Digital Chocolate and Loopt. Also, after the success of the iSkoot powered Skypephone, Skype and iSkoot announced a new five-year agreement. As part of the deal, iSkoot received for the first time the exclusive rights to offer the Skype mobile services though carrier partners in eight countries.