Sybase Announces Support For AndroidSybase Announces Support For Android

Sybase iAnywhere said it would be adding support for the Google-backed Android mobile operating system.

The company, which specializes in enterprise mobility, announced a new version of its software development kit that should enable developers to incorporate Bluetooth technologies into Android devices. The iAnywhere Blue SDK has the necessary application layer support for developers to increase the wireless capabilities of the Android framework, Sybase said.

The SDK has a flexible architecture that can help eliminate lock-in with a specific vendor, and it includes profiles for hands-free control, file transfer protocol, object push protocol, SIM access, phone book access, advanced audio distribution, and more. The SDK for Android is available now from Sybase's Web site.

"As Bluetooth functionality continues to gain popularity in the telematics and consumer electronics marketplace, developers require an extremely effective way to extend those features to various wireless platforms, including Android," said Terry Stepien, president of Sybase iAnywhere, in a statement. "Our commercial Bluetooth stack is extremely reliable with more qualified application profiles for Android than any other market solution and we offer a high level of technical support for those customers that require it."

Even though there are less than five commercially available Android phones, the move is another sign that the Linux-based OS is gaining some traction. Part of the appeal of the OS is that it is open source and royalty-free, so any manufacturer can use it for smartphones or mobile Internet devices. Google said it expects up to 20 Android-powered handsets to be released by the end of the year, but only those who agree to certain conditions will have deep integration with Google's Web services.

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