October is traditionally a very busy time for high tech companies, and this year there is no busier category than enterprise mobility.  For that reason, I was especially pleased that Syclo's CEO Rich Padula made himself available for a brief interview last week.

Kevin:  Rich, what mobile device(s) do you carry?
Rich:  I carry a Blackberry, iPad, Netbook and iPod.  I have a desktop in the office.

Kevin:  What devices do your customers use primarily?
Rich:  Laptops, tablets and Windows Mobile devices for most complex mobile applications.
Kevin:  What trends are you seeing in enterprise mobility today?
Rich:  Many companies, (specifically in facilities management) are replacing expensive ruggedized handheld computers with smartphones like BlackBerrys. We have seen companies replacing two devices (laptops and ruggedized handhelds) with one smartphone.  I see Android coming on fast.
Kevin:  Do you recommend specific mobile devices for specific business processes?
Rich:  Yes we do.  All devices have pros and cons.  However, the BlackBberry is still not powerful enough for many complex mobile applications.  Complex mobile applications are often delivered on Windows Mobile or iPhone smartphones, and laptops.  We still see a lot of service technicians with laptops in the truck, but a smartphone in the pocket.  We call this companion devices.
Kevin:  What business processes do you see your customers prioritizing? 
Rich:  Work orders, proof of delivery, onsite orders, consignment inventory (expensive hospital supplies), solutions that help service technicians upsell products and services in the field.  People often trust the service technician more than they do a telesales person.  The service technician is often the trusted advisor.  Today service technicians often receive compensation for sales.
Kevin:  Where does Syclo fit into the enterprise mobility ecosystem?
Rich :  We deliver complex mobile applications and business process extensions, and we support all the major business applications and ERPs.
Kevin:  Tell me about your Co-Innovation Partnership with SAP.
Rich:  We are the endorsed mobile solution for SAP EAM (enterprise asset management) and SAP CRM/Field Services.  We are also the solution recommended by many of the SAP industry business units.
Kevin:  How does SAP's acquisition of Sybase impact Syclo?
Rich:  We are working with SAP/Sybase to integrate with and support the Sybase Unwired Platform.

Thanks Rich!

You can read other interviews in the Mobile Expert Interview Series here.

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Kevin Benedict, SAP Mentor, SAP Top Contributor, Mobile and M2M Industry Analyst
Phone +1 208-991-4410
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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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