eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
German software giant SAP and Sybase, which develops middleware, are teaming up around radio-frequency identification.
Sybase announced Jan. 23 a partnership that certifies its RFID Anywhere 2.0 software on SAPs Auto-ID Infrastructure.
The combination of the two suites will benefit primarily SAPs ERP (enterprise resource planning) installed base who are also using RFID technology, or those considering their options.
Sybases RFID Anywhere software focuses on the management end of collecting RFID edge data, helping users to configure and monitor RFID networks. Users can set up and manage what can become a vast array of RFID readers, printers, bar-code scanners and PLC (programmable logic controller) networks (along with all the various protocols and standards) that can span beyond a companys four walls to partners and suppliers.
With an eye toward developers, system integrators and ISVs, the RFID Anywhere platform also provides an RFID application development and management environment. An RFID Simulator allows new code to be tested without users having to actually buy the tags and readers beforehand.
SAPs Auto-ID Infrastructure publishes defined interfaces that enable RFID middleware vendors such as Sybase iAnywhere to integrate with SAP and provide data collected from various devices—for example, RFID readers, printers and sensing devices.
The two companies plan to work together to develop data collection software and other business application software, officials said.
Separately, Sybase announced Jan. 23 the 12.0 version of its namesake PowerDesigner application modeling and design software. This latest iteration, available now, has beefed-up data and process modeling integration capabilities and an enhanced user interface, among other functional upgrades.