Font ResizeSan Jose-based Cisco Systems, the world's biggest maker of computer-networking equipment, agreed to buy Pure Networks for about $120 million to make its home- networking system more user-friendly.
Pure Networks, a closely held Seattle-based software maker, already teams with Cisco, providing programs that let consumers set up and manage home networks. The transaction should close next quarter, Cisco said. The purchase is part of a strategy to expand existing product categories and enter new markets, Cisco said. The company has made about 130 acquisitions total, many forays into the consumer market. In June, Cisco agreed to buy DiviTech A/S to gain software for delivering television programs.
Technology
After posting better-than-expected second-quarter results Wednesday, Dublin-based database and mobile software maker Sybase Inc. raised its sales and adjusted profit forecast.
The company now expects 2008 earnings of $1.53 to $1.55 per share, compared with its prior forecast of $1.51 to $1.56 per share. Excluding items, Sybase now expects to earn $1.98 to $2 per share for the year, up from its earlier adjusted earnings forecast of $1.94 to $1.99 per share. Analysts are predicting a profit of $1.97 per share, excluding items. Shares rose 94 cents, or 3 percent, to close the regular session at $32.40. In after-hours trading, shares gained 93 cents, or 2.9 percent, to $33.33.
