SilverStream Software Inc. (SSSW) this week bought eObject, a software developer specializing in advanced rules-based personalization technologies.

SilverStream has agreed to acquire eObject for a purchase price of $23 million in SilverStream common stock. It is also obligated to make an additional payment of $5 million of SilverStream common stock and/or cash based on the occurrence of certain contingent events.

SilverStream Software plans to integrate eObject's personalization technology into the company's soon-to-be announced Portal solution strategy. This portal strategy will be a key part of SilverStream's e-business platform.

eObject's personalization technology seeks to enable leading corporations to create powerful one-to-one e-business interactions for customers, trading partners, and employees. Personalized Web sites are more relevant and meaningful to visitors, a statement released by SilverStream said. They also help attract new customers and result in improved customer loyalty.

SilverStream's soon-to-be elucidated portal solution will include "My Yahoo" style. Due to the eObject acquisition it will also include advanced rules-based personalization.

eObject's rules-based personalization features accomplish several of SilverStream's objectives, according to SilverStream's statement. It eliminates the need for extensive programmer involvement by putting control in the hands of the end user.

Although eObject has many predefined rules, its rules-engine can be extended by any Java developer, thus allowing the building of completely customized rules that can be tailored for a particular business. Transactionally sensitive contextual personalization enables the site to present pages dynamically assembled based on various criteria.