Sybase Continues Mobile-Computing Buying SpreeSybase Continues Mobile-Computing Buying Spree

Sybase Inc. is acquiring the assets of privately held Dejima Inc., a developer of natural-language-interface technology for mobile devices, for an undisclosed amount of cash. Sybase plans to incorporate Dejima's technology into its iAnywhere line of mobile-computing software.

Dejima develops natural-language-processing and adaptive-agent software that helps mobile-device users interact with information sources using common, colloquial language via E-mail, instant messaging, Short Message Service, and voice communications. The assets include 16 granted or pending technology patents.

Sybase will incorporate the Dejima technology into its iAnywhere mobile-computing software, giving users access to business databases and applications using natural spoken and text messages through common messaging interfaces. A salesperson on the road, for example, could use Dejima's software to retrieve historical sales data from a corporate database using a PDA or a mobile phone without knowing complex query languages.

Dejima's customers include Salesforce.com, the Toyota Info Technology Center, and European mobile-telephone service provider Orange.

Sybase expects to complete the deal this quarter. It has been aggressively expanding its mobile-computing product lineup through acquisitions. Earlier this month, it bought mobile middleware vendor XcelleNet Inc. for $95 million.