Sybase has announced advanced spatial data functionality as part of the next release of its SQL Anywhere database and synchronization solution. According to Sybase, this release makes it the first vendor to enable development of data-driven spatial applications for leading smartphone devices and synchronize the on-device spatial data with spatial databases, application servers and enterprise systems.

By leveraging these new capabilities, organizations in key markets such as utilities, telecommunications, manufacturing and government are able to provide field workers with access to detailed spatial information combined with business critical data in a robust and scalable way.

SQL Anywhere is a long-standing leader in providing data management and synchronization technologies designed to operate in mobile and embedded environments without regular on-site IT maintenance. The new spatial data support capabilities include support for OGC and SQLMM standards for spatial data types and APIs; native import for shape files and built in functions to export to KML, GML and SVG formats; use of spatial data on all of the platforms supported by SQL Anywhere, from Linux, Unix, Mac OS, Windows, BlackBerry, iPhone and Windows Mobile; and bi-directional synchronization of spatial and standard data between field worker and many popular enterprise systems.

"Sybase is pleased to work with industry leaders such as ESRI to expand its enterprise mobility leadership and revolutionize the mobile experience for field workers in emerging, high-growth markets such as geo-spatial, states Mike Paola, director, product management, Sybase. "The innovative approach taken by SQL Anywhere in synchronizing geo-spatial information with enterprise systems demonstrates its continued leadership of enabling enterprise data outside the traditional data center."

The next major release of SQL Anywhere will be available in Q2 of 2010. To apply to participate in the beta program, go here.