SAP boosts integration with Sybase mobile and database platforms

SAP is extending its integration plans for the Sybase Unwired Platform (SUP) and Adaptive Server Enterprise (ASE) database system by rolling out a line of new applications.

New SUP applications include customer relationship management, retail and sales tools for the mobile space, as well as work order applications for field technicians.

SAP and Sybase have a history of teaming up, and unveiled a plan at the 2010 CeBIT conference to offer the SAP Business Suite on the Sybase platform.

SUP also includes a new software development kit to help mobile and web-based developers port applications.

"Over the past 18 months, SAP has been releasing technologies enabling the rapid creation and deployment of mobile apps through our platform and development tools," said Sybase executive vice president and chief marketing officer Raj Nathan.

"Enterprise mobility is a phenomenon that transcends all borders in the workplace, and SAP is out in front of this trend as it revolutionises the mobile space by making mobile the new desktop."

SAP will also port its enterprise resource planning application to the Sybase ASE database platform, as part of a larger effort to integrate SAP products with ASE and better compete with larger database vendors.

"With more than 30,000 customers, Sybase ASE is a proven leader in enterprise database management," said SAP global solutions president Sanjay Poonen.

"Sybase ASE is a great alternative database for the large base of SAP customers looking for options to improve operational efficiency and reduce overall costs."

The move comes as the companies mark the first anniversary of their $5.8bn merger. SAP's acquisition of Sybase was credited with helping to boost SAP revenues in the months following the deal.