Mosaic browser pusher Spyglass Inc is remaking itself on the Diba Inc model, doubling its research and development efforts this fiscal year to come up with the software and technology equipment manufacturers will need to put things like cellular telephones, cars and television sets on line to the World Wide Web. The goal is to create a software environment that – like Java – will mean that applications are device-independent, so that a user could access an electronic mail account from the cellular phone in his car, or discover the copier back in the office was not working and put it in touch with the engineer. The Naperville, Illinois already just licensed software to WorldGate Communications Inc for its Internet access service via cable television. The reasoning is that while only 3% of the world has a personal computer, many more use telephones, cars, manufacturing and office equipment, and Spyglass wants to Web-enable them all.
