Sybase Partners with Siemens for Mobile Device Management

Sybase announced a partnership with Siemens Enterprise Communications Group on Sept. 22, with the aim of providing an enterprise platform that integrates both mobile and fixed-line voice and data, and allows for the management of various mobile devices across a completely heterogeneous environment.

Specifically, the platform will blend Sybase’s mobile-device management capability with Siemens’ Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) technology in order to simplify the logistics and management of a diversified communications infrastructure. Sybase Afaria, a scalable solution that allows IT to control key mobility-related functions via a Web-based console, allows governance over management and security of any network mobile device in any location.

Afaria has been combined with Siemens’ HiPath MobileConnect v2.3, which unifies enterprise VOIP, VoWLAN and cellular mobility. The latter platform consists of MobileConnect Appliance, which monitors and manages mobile user sessions, and MobileConnect Client, software that works with the MobileConnect Appliance to navigate enterprise-cellular exchange.  

With the partnership enacted within an enterprise, administrators can impose functionality such as noting which calls streaming into a user’s mobile device are personal or business, allowing for more granular analysis of phone usage.

"Enterprise mobility plays such a significant role in today’s personal and professional environments that customers require the highest level of support from proven experts," Terry Stepien, president of Sybase iAnywhere, said in a statement. "As part of this widespread adoption and to fully empower today’s information workers, Sybase and Siemens are committed to helping enterprises overcome the management challenges accompanying rapidly emerging mobile technologies, including collaboration and unified communications."  

Sybase has signed other partnerships in 2009, including one to port the SAP Business Suite onto the Apple iPhone, Microsoft Windows Mobile, BlackBerry smartphones, and other devices via integration with the Sybase mobile enterprise application platform.

That partnership was not exclusive, leaving Sybase open to explore deals with other software- and middleware-producing entities.

Although Sybase already has an inroad with the enterprise thanks to a partnership with Research In Motion, creators of the BlackBerry line, they have also positioned themselves to take advantage of the Apple iPhone’s increased business prevalence. The Sybase iAnywhere Mobile Office application allows wireless email, calendar contacts and task information to be accessed securely via the iPhone, as well as Windows Mobile and Symbian-based devices.

That platform includes the iAnywhere Mobile Office server, available through the App Store at a starting price of $200 per user. At the time of the software’s release, Sybase indicated to analysts that it intended to support new smartphone platforms ranging from Google Android to the Palm Pre.