Interactive Intelligence Group Inc (ININ), a U.S. provider of software and services for call center operators, is exploring strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, according to people familiar with the matter.A sale of Interactive Intelligence would be the latest sign of the consolidation sweeping the telecommunications software and equipment industry, as rapid technological change and fierce competition force companies to seek more scale. Interactive Intelligence is working with boutique investment bank Union Square Advisors LLC on a sale process that has attracted other telecommunications software companies, as well as private equity firms, the people said this week.The sources cautioned that no deal is certain and asked not to be identified because the sale process is confidential. Union Interactive Intelligence declined to comment, while Union Square Advisors did not respond to requests for comment.Shares of Interactive Intelligence closed up 21.26% @ $53.95 after Reuters reported on the sale process, giving the company a market capitalization of almost $1.2 billion. Based in Indianapolis, Interactive Intelligence helps call center operators develop applications that help them analyze data and improve customer service calls. Some of its competitors include Aspect Software Inc, Cisco Systems Inc and Five9 Inc.Interactive Intelligence had a net loss of $13.2 million in the first quarter of 2016, compared with a loss of $3.46 million a year earlier. The company has said that it has posted operating losses in recent quarters while it shifts its business model to the cloud. imho, surge is overdone for company with net loss and not clear top management vision about company development. Even, if rumors are true there is time tested wisdom: "buy rumors, sell facts". I would prefer to short it.