Socialtext has launched a Twitter for your Intranet. The Socialtext Microblogging Appliance for rapid secure intranet deployment of microblogging and social networking apps for just $1/user/month. On-site appliance deployment, the ability to upgrade to the full social software platform and the low price point provide a unique way for IT to enable the company-wide conversation. It includes:

• Socialtext Signals for microblogging
• Socialtext People for social networking
• Socialtext Desktop for real time microblogging and social networking from an Adobe AIR desktop application
• Rapid, secure and scalable Appliance deployment
• Automatic updates and upgrades, so customers get all the benefits of SaaS and on-site deployment combined
• Optional integration with your directory system (LDAP/Active Directory) for single sign on with your other intranet applications and automatic profile population
• Rapidly extensible with RESTful APIs, it is easy to integrate third party applications into a unified Activity Stream or make other applications social
• The option to instantly upgrade to the full Socialtext Appliance for Socialtext Workspace, Socialtext Dashboard and SocialCalc

Here is some coverage of the announcement:

C-net: Socialtext offers enterprise microblogging in a box

ZDnet: New Socialtext Microblogging Appliance Signals Increased Flexibility

eWeek: Socialtext Embraces Twitter Craze with Microblogging Appliance

InternetNews: Enterprise Software Looks to Ease IT Management

ReadWriteWeb: Socialtext's New Microblogging Appliance

CIO: Socialtext's New Tool: Think of It as Private Twitter for Enterprises

CrunchGear: Socialtext Microblogging Appliance is Twitter in a box