Sybase and SAP launch downloadable app for mobile workforce management

SAP AG and Sybase today announced a mobile partnership. SAP will bring it’s enterprise programs to mobile workers through the Sybase mobile management platform.

The Business Suite from German software giant SAP will come to iPhones, BlackBerrys, Windows Mobile phones and other devices. The Sybase platform allows data to be pushed onto smartphones in real time, but users will be able to run the programs even if the device is not connected to the web.

From the release:

“We are currently witnessing the proliferation of mobile devices that is transforming the way users interact with information and applications on a global basis,” said Sybase Chief Executive John Chen.

“Our customers demand mobile access to proven business applications to stay connected to their customers, suppliers, partners and employees to drive innovation and productivity,” said Bill McDermott, the president of SAP’s Global Field Operations.

What we think?

We’ve seen a number of products designed specifically for assisting a mobile workforce, mostly from Motorola it seems. But the fact that many mobile workforces will have decent devices anyway hasn’t escaped attention. Hence, this deal. It will be interesting to see whether an implementation of this software can target a single workforce with multiple different handsets. If Company A has workers in the field carrying iPhone, Blackberrys and Windows Mobile devices, can SAG cater for the whole group? Given that the software is downloadable by device, and that Sybase then pushes the required data out through it’s cross-platform network, I would say the answer to that is yes.