Sybase releases SQL Anywhere 12 database

Sybase has released the latest version of its database, the SQL Anywhere 12, which contains key updates including support for large-scale data synchronisation via mobile platforms.

The new offering allows employees to collect information through their BlackBerry, Windows Mobile or iPhone device and input data into the company system back on site, according to Sybase.

The inclusion of iPhone support is another boost for Apple as its iconic device increasingly goes head-to-head with the BlackBerry in the corporate environment. At the moment there is no support for Android based mobiles.

“SQL Anywhere 12 is a culmination of research and development that serves existing customers while addressing emerging requirements for embedded database server and mobile applications,” said Dave Neudoerffer, vice-president of engineering at Sybase.

“This SQL Anywhere release breaks ground with innovations for growing data volume, diverse data types and device platforms to further enhance Sybase's mobility platform."

Other features include spatial data support, which enables the tracking, location-aware querying, management and synchronisation of this type of data.

The inclusion of various self-management capabilities will help where resources are changing in real-time and DBA intervention is not readily available, the firm said.

Alys Woodward program manager for European BI and analytic applications welcomed the new offering, especially its support for the iPhone.

"The extension of SQL Anywhere device support to the iPhone helps to future-proof the Sybase Mobility Platform for the adoption of the iPhone across the enterprise,” she argued.

“[The SQL Anywhere 12] was one of the main reasons SAP purchased Sybase because of its mobile strategy. It means that SAP apps such as SAP CRM can be run on mobile devices,” she argued.

However, Stefan Reid, senior analyst at Forrester, argued that the database part of Sybase is simply irrelevant in the market, with the exception of a niche segment of custom applications developed in the financial services industry.