Note: The words in this interview are not always Willie Jow's exact words. I have condensed many of my questions and his responses to make them more concise for the reader.
Kevin: Willie, how does Sybase, which is known for its databases and mobile middleware solutions, become a mobile applications company?
Willie: It is true we are best known for our mobile middleware, and that our history has been focused on supporting channels like ISV, OEM and other kinds of partnerships that delivered the mobile applications. However, a couple of years ago SAP approached us about working on the mobile CRM application. We accepted this opportunit,y and when we completed the mobile application it was very well received by SAP and customers. We now have a great deal of experience developing mobile applications for SAP.
A few weeks ago we announced the new mobile business unit. SAP already knows how to build great business applications, and Sybase knows how to build great mobile middleware. These two strengths will be combined under Bob Stutz’s leadership. We also plan to add more mobile applications.
The mobile business unit will continue to have a strong focus on the platform layer. We will combine IP (intellectual property) from both Sybase and SAP into the new mobile platform layer under the leadership of Billy Ho. This team will continue to innovate and enhance this platform. This mobile business unit will give us both a mobile application and the mobile platform focus with each working together. We will also have the Gateway for SAP services consumption.
Kevin: I see that you have filled the needs for mobile middleware and SAP business processes integration, but where do the mobile application development skills come from. It is a relatively new skill set for both Sybase and SAP.
Willie: If you truly understand how the platform works and how the mobile applications are built, connecting to SAP is not a mobile application development process. It is really about understanding the content you want to use and making that available as a mobile “asset” or “object.” You can use the native OS SDK for device specific screens.
There are different expertise needed for developing mobile applications. One skill set involves understanding the content needed and how to mobilize it, the second skill is knowing how to develop the GUI. It is easy finding developers that can design the device GUI. The hard part is finding the expertise for connecting the enterprise business processes.
Mobile Expert Interview Series: Sybase's Willie Jow Part 2
Mobile Expert Interview Series: Sybase's Willie Jow Part 3
Kevin Benedict, SAP Mentor, SAP Top Contributor, Mobile and M2M Industry Analyst
Phone +1 208-991-4410
Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict
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Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility consultant, mobility analyst, writer and Web 2.0 marketing professional. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.
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