SAP's on-demand EPR software for SMBs now supports BlackBerrys and the iPad, with Android/Windows Phone support expected soon. Earlier this month, business software maker SAP released the latest update to its Business ByDesign cloud-based service, Feature Pack 2.6. Business ByDesign is an on-demand enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business management software suite for small- to mid-size-businesses, and the latest update brings a variety of enhancements, including a brand new software development kit (SDK) to help partners and developers create Business ByDesign applications and add-ons, as well as extended support for mobile devices.BlackBerry Bold 9780 with SAP Logo(Read an in-depth breakdown of SAP’s Business ByDesign Feature Pack 2.6.) From the sounds of SAP’s related press release, SAP Business ByDesign already supported the iPhone, but this new update extends the software’s mobile device support to BlackBerry smartphones and Apple’s iPad tablet. Business ByDesign Android and Windows Phone 7 support shouldn’t be too far down the road, according to SAP. From SAP: “In addition to supporting the iPhone, feature pack 2.6 for SAP Business ByDesign extends mobile support to the iPad and RIM BlackBerry smartphones. The next version is planned to include further support for the Android and Windows Phone 7 operating systems. In addition, partners have the ability to build native mobile applications that run Web services from SAP Business ByDesign, as well as build mobile applications using SAP Business ByDesign studio.” It seems odd that iPhone support was available for Business ByDesign before BlackBerry support, if that is indeed the case—I have to believe far more organizations that use SAP products employ BlackBerry smartphones than iPhones. I also can’t help but think support for RIM’s new BlackBerry PlayBook tablet will also be announced in the not-too-distant future. But the Business ByDesign Feature Pack 2.6 announcement is good news for SAP customers looking to bring ByDesign features to smartphones. And it should help SAP fill in a “mobile gap” in the cloud-based service, since BlackBerrys are currently the most-used business handhelds and the iPad is by far the most popular tablet computer on the market, for both consumers and enterprises. Read more about SAP Business ByDesign on the company’s website. AS Al Sacco covers Mobile and Wireless for CIO.com. Follow Al on Twitter @ASacco. Follow everything from CIO.com on Twitter @CIOonline. Email Al at ASacco@CIO.com. Related content brandpost Sponsored by Dell New research: How IT leaders drive business benefits by accelerating device refresh strategies Security leaders have particular concerns that older devices are more vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. By Laura McEwan Dec 08, 2023 3 mins Infrastructure Management case study Toyota transforms IT service desk with gen AI To help promote insourcing and quality control, Toyota Motor North America is leveraging generative AI for HR and IT service desk requests. By Thor Olavsrud Dec 08, 2023 7 mins Employee Experience Generative AI ICT Partners feature CSM certification: Costs, requirements, and all you need to know The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification sets the standard for establishing Scrum theory, developing practical applications and rules, and leading teams and stakeholders through the development process. By Moira Alexander Dec 08, 2023 8 mins Certifications IT Skills Project Management brandpost Sponsored by SAP When natural disasters strike Japan, Ōita University’s EDiSON is ready to act With the technology and assistance of SAP and Zynas Corporation, Ōita University built an emergency-response collaboration tool named EDiSON that helps the Japanese island of Kyushu detect and mitigate natural disasters. By Michael Kure, SAP Contributor Dec 07, 2023 5 mins Digital Transformation Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe