In an all open-source acquisition, SpringSource, the makers of the popular Spring framework for Java will be acquiring Covalent technologies, a provider of support and services for Apache Software Foundation projects.

An excerpt from InformationWeek:

SpringSource is buying Covalent for an undisclosed amount; the deal includes giving Spring stock to Covalent staffers. Both firms are privately held and declined to disclose the terms of the deal.

Covalent combined the Apache Web server and Tomcat, plus additional open source modules, into the Covalent Enterprise Ready Server. It supplied consulting and technical support for its installation inside large companies. Covalent includes many open source contributors and project leaders.

Covalent technologies has made key contributions to several open source projects and the acquisition points to SpringSource’s attempt to provide an alternative J2EE programming model.

More information:

SpringSource buys Covalent in open-source deal (InfoWorld)

SpringSource acquires fellow open source company Covalent Technologies (News.com)