The launch of iAnywhere, Sybase SA's new mobile division, is scheduled for the end of April this year. This follows the separate formation of iAnywhere Inc, previously part of Sybase Inc. According to Julie Tomlinson, marketing manager at Sybase SA, the new iAnywhere division will operate as a separate entity even though it falls under the umbrella of Sybase SA.
"The size of the local market does not compare to that of the USA, but an independently run division can access a broader area. We believe that with the rapid advances in mobile devices and the forthcoming introduction of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) which will eliminate some of the GSM limitations, there are substantial opportunities lying ahead for iAnywhere."
"In anticipation of this, iAnywhere will be talking to the business community about the potential of wireless applications and marketing its services and solutions. iAnywhere is negotiating with potential development partners who bring important parts of total solutions such as devices, services and software. The key wireless staff component is being expanded."
The iAnywhere solution set includes three key wireless-enabled products. Wireless Server is an application server with built-in components that cater for wireless applications. It receives and reformats messages for sending to mobile devices through a radio frequency network. Adaptive Server Anywhere or ASA (previously SQL Anywhere) technology has been developed to provide UltraLite, an ultra-small (as small as 50K), native database for handheld and embedded devices. It runs on a handheld device or embedded system. MobiLink enables two-way server synchronisation between an UltraLite database on handheld devices or embedded systems and major enterprise databases, including those from Sybase, Oracle and Microsoft.
The advances that GPRS bring include potential speeds of up to 171 kilobits per second, instant connections with no dial-up modem connection needed and new and improved applications. Commercial GPRS services have been launched overseas and Tomlinson anticipates South Africa following this year. "The implications for practical mobile solutions are huge", says Tomlinson. "With the PDA (personal digital assistant) and the cell phone becoming more intelligent and assuming each other's functionality, one device will emerge, more manageable for the mobile office."
"These advances will underpin organisations ability to extend business applications, such as sales force automation and point-of-care, to small devices", concludes Tomlinson. "This continuous access to critical business data anywhere, anytime, will support greater productivity and rapid decision-making. Mobile technology also adds efficiencies to supply chain applications within production, distribution and warehousing and the robustness of the technology makes it ideal for staff operating outside the office."
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