Enterprise Mobile

The folks at ReadWriteWeb are running a poll on mobile enterprise. Lots of new announcements recently, including Zenprise and news about Motorola and SAP.

Keep track of the poll here.

FiveSpark platform

FiveSpark is a beta-stage web-based DIY mobile app builder based in Boston. It’s a closed beta, so we haven’t seen any details, but they are focused on small and medium sized businesses.

Learn more on their website.

Antenna Software

Having acquired the knowledge assets and customers of three competitors (Vettro, Dexterra, and Vaultus) Antenna has established itself as key player in the Mobile Enterprise Application Platform (MEAP) market. Catering to large, global enterprises, Antenna will transform any business processes by extending the access to enterprise systems to high powered smartphones for service technicians and other mobile employees.

Sybase Mobile

The Sybase Unwired Platform is a leading Mobile Enterprise Application Platform (MEAP). Enterprises and software vendors can build native applications for a variety of devices with familiar tools while leveraging common business logic, shared management and security tools, and other Sybase technology components. SAP’s acquisition of Sybase was a defining move in their mobile strategy, although the Sybase platform can still tap other third party and proprietary software.

Technical features include integration tools for back-end data sources such as databases, web services, files, SAP applications, and other SOA enterprise applications. The platform enables development of mobile applications across iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows 32 (laptops/tablets), and Windows Mobile devices. Development is done through Visual Studio or Eclipse. Sybase also promises enterprise-grade features such as scalability, security, and remote administration of software and user profiles on the device.

Sample App created with Unwired Platform:

Download sample code and documentation

Other notable mobile offerings from Sybase include:

Mobile CRM provides mobile customer relationship management with specialized components for coupons, marketing, and sales support.

Mobile Messaging provides SMS integration (formerly Mobile 365). Mobile Payments provides tools for financial institutions create mobile offerings. iAnywhere Mobile Office provides email support for Lotus Domino and Microsoft Exchange on Windows Mobile, iPhone and Nokia Series 60 devices.

Pros and Cons:
Enterprise scalability, security, and remote administration.
Ability to integrate into enterprise backend systems.
Relatively simple interface builder that doesn’t yet support all devices.
Enterprise price.