WhitePages.com Buys SnapVine

Online directory WhitePages.com has purchased Snapvine, an online service that lets users add their voices to social networks and websites.

WhitePages.com's database has grown to include 180 million names and it recently launched the ability for users to post their cell phone numbers.

But what exactly does this acquisition mean in terms of increased functionality? The WhitePages.com blog reports:

Using Snapvine’s VoIP technology, we have plans to allow consumers to create a free, private voicemail box where others can leave messages without disclosing the recipient’s personal home or cell phone number. And similarly, we also plan to launch text-based relay services based on email and SMS.

No confirmation yet, but rumor has it that the deal went through for $20 million (John Cook's Venture Blog). We'll see if WhitePages.com can really create synergy to exploit its newly acquired technology.