As part of the deal desktop virtualisation business DeskStream will adopt the WorldDesk name and branding with immediate effect.

US and India-based DeskStream provides services which involve the virtualisation of a business’ computer system so that it is stored on a remote central server.

The acquisition was announced at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas which has seen the unveiling of a number of new smartphones and robotic speakers endorsed by teenage pop star Justin Bieber.

WorldDesk’s prototype technology allows users to access a cloud-based workspace platform which can be used with file hosting service Dropbox as well as other providers.

Rao Cherukuri, chief executive officer of DeskStream, comments: ‘The combination of DeskStream’s thin client technology and the work WorldDesk has done on the management and delivery of workspaces from the cloud has the potential to transform the mobile computing market.

‘This acquisition speaks to the strength of our business and the sector as a whole. We are already experiencing a sea change in how people view cloud computing and desktop virtualisation.’

Under the terms of the purchase WorldDesk, which was founded in 2010 by Jonathan Chesney and Claire Moore, will continue to be based in Belfast. The business is also in discussion with Invest NI as it looks to build a new development centre.

Chesney and Moore add: ‘We established WorldDesk in effort to revolutionise how organisations, individuals and, in particular, schools use computers.

‘We wanted to fundamentally alter the norm of how people think of, and use, their computer desktop. DeskStream shares this vision and has placed a great deal of confidence in our mission.’