CeBIT 2010: SAP and Sybase team up on mobile worker apps

Mobile workers could benefit from two new products launched jointly today by SAP and Sybase to provide access to SAP applications on the go via the Sybase Unwired Platform.

The partnership means that mobile workers will be able to access SAP CRM 2007 through Sybase's Mobile Sales application processes to help improve worker productivity and enhance customer service, the firms said.

Sybase's Mobile Workflow product, meanwhile, will provide access to the SAP Business Suite, allowing mobile workers to complete tasks which require immediate attention, such as workflow items and alerts, time recording and travel requests.

Kevin Nix, senior vice president of business solutions and technology at SAP, claimed that, with analyst firm IDC predicting 1.19 billion mobile workers by 2013, there is a clear need to provide applications specifically designed for mobile workforces.

"In the past, as mobile working grew, applications like email were reconfigured to be accessible on the go. Now we need to extend the offering to provide applications that have been designed specifically for mobile workers and their devices," he said.

Gary Kovacs, senior vice president of markets, solutions and products at Sybase, added that the partnership with SAP is a model he expects others in the industry to follow as the demand for mobile applications continues to grow.

"It is unlikely that one company will be able to meet the needs of businesses for mobile applications, so co-innovations like this one with SAP will be how industry applications are delivered in the future," he said.

The new applications will be available on iPhone, Windows Mobile and several other platforms, but those using BlackBerry devices will have to wait until later this year for the services to be available.