German software giant SAP reported a second-quarter profit rise of 15 per cent as companies increased spending on software. Net income climbed to €491 million ($708 million) from €426 million a year earlier. The company announced it had completed the cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of Sybase. Under the terms of the agreement, Sybase will operate as a separate company under the leadership of current CEO John Chen.
Paul Smith

An Australian technology company founded by three PhD students from the University of Sydney has won a $57 million contract with the US Marine Corps to trial advanced robot technology for training soldiers in live firing exercises. Under the deal, Marathon Robotics’ Rover robots will be used as “smart targets" in live fire training for marines. If successful it could lead to a wider deal with the US Defense Department. Paul Smith