Oracle will add real-time predictive analysis features to its business intelligence software and Fusion middleware using technology acquired this week from Sigma Dynamics.

Oracle didn't disclose the cost of the acquired assets.

Predictive analysis uses historical and real-time data and business rules to guide decisions related to customer interaction and business operations. When linked to a CRM system in a customer service center, for example, predictive analysis can help a sales representative with cross-sell and up-sell opportunities by predicting how a customer might respond to an offer. Predictive analysis also can be used for call routing and fraud detection, among other applications.

The software "learns" as it processes more data and then refines its predictive capabilities.

Oracle already sells the Sigma technology as part of its Siebel Real-Time Decisions products that Oracle acquired when it bought CRM software vendor Siebel for $5.8 billion in January. Oracle will add the Sigma Dynamics Real-time Decision software to its Oracle Business Intelligence Suite and Oracle Fusion Middleware products, as well as continue to sell it as a standalone product.