UPDATE: SAP, Sybase To Deliver Mobile Enterprise Programs

Office software companies SAP AG (SAP) and Sybase Inc. (SY) on Wednesday unveiled a partnership to deliver mobile enterprise programs to workers on the go.

The German software giant will make its SAP Business Suite available to the Apple Inc. (AAPL) iPhone, Research in Motion Ltd. (RIMM) Blackberrys and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) Windows Mobile phones and other devices using Sybase's mobile application platform. The move underscores the increasing importance of bringing programs routinely used on a computer to smartphones.

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

People are increasingly aware of the capabilities of smartphones and the kinds of programs they are able to run, partly thanks to the popularity of Apple's App Store. RIM and Microsoft have each launched their own App Store-like mobile markets to exploit the increasing interest in mobile applications. Microsoft on Wednesday unveiled details allowing developers to write programs for its mobile operating system.

Enterprise programs plan to figure prominently into this trend, as workers increasingly seek access to software such as customer relationship management programs while out in the field.

"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. He said the "ease of execution" will be key to adoption.

Overseas, companies often can't outfit their employees with laptops, but everyone has a cellphone.

McDermott said Asia represents the largest growth opportunity, followed by Latin America.

For SAP, this is a way to stay relevant in the enterprise software game as more employees and tasks go mobile. The company already has a deal with RIM to put its software in Blackberrys.

Sybase's platform allows data such as customer details to be pushed onto smartphones in real time, so users have the latest information available to them. Users can run the programs regardless of whether the cellphone has an active Internet connection.

The platform allows the programs to run similarly despite different devices.

The first applications should hit the market by the second half, with more integrated services across multiple devices next year, Chen said.

When asked about the pricing, both SAP and Sybase declined to comment. Chen said, "It'll be very affordable."

SAP and Sybase plan to make more enterprise applications available in mobile format and expand the number of devices capable of running those programs.

The partnership isn't exclusive, McDermott said.

SAP shares were recently up 1% at $34.11, while Sybase rose 1.7% to $27.38.

-By Roger Cheng, Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-2020; [e-mail]