Sybase searches the Web
- Posted:
- 00:00 26 Jul 2001
- Topics:
- Databases | Sybase | Enterprise Application Integration (EAI)
What is it?
Originally known for its SQL Server relational database management system (RDBMS), Sybase now offers a variety of application development tools, compilers, middleware, database and datawarehousing products.
The good news for Sybase in Dataquest's database licence sales report for 2000 was that it had climbed from fifth to fourth in the league, overtaking Informix. The bad news was that its market share had actually fallen, from 3.3% to 3.2%.
Given that the market leaders - Oracle, IBM and Microsoft - have market shares of 33.8%, 30.1% and 14.9% respectively, the days when Sybase could be considered one of the "big four" relational database suppliers are clearly long gone.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nevertheless, unlike Informix, which is now part of IBM, Sybase has a strong hold on the financial services sector - an important part of the database market.
Sybase has another string to its bow, though. It got into middleware years before any of its competitors, and strengthened its range of products when it acquired leading EAI (enterprise application integration) supplier Neon earlier this year. Recently, Sybase's marketing material has described the company as in "transition from a database-only supplier to a leader in the e-business infrastructure arena".
Analyst firm Gartner Group says, "The long-term challenge for Sybase is to establish a value proposition that will appeal to market segments outside its strongholds. A critical part of that effort will be to convince independent software suppliers to build for its infrastructure."
Where did it originate?
Founded in 1984, Sybase was an early champion of client/server architectures. Most of its application development tools, and some of its middleware products, have come via acquisitions, including Powersoft and Neon.
What is it for?
Application building and serving, database management and datawarehousing, and now e-business infrastructure.
ASE 12.5, the latest version of Sybase's Adaptive Server Enterprise relational database, has been redesigned for e-business.
"Productivity enhancements" in ASE 12.5 enable developers to integrate XML-based applications, and Java developers to create business rules and execute Enterprise Java Bean components in the database.
Version 2.0 of the Sybase Enterprise Portal, launched in March, extended access to portal services and applications to trading partners, exchanges,
e-marketplaces and mobile users.
What does it run on?
Unix, Windows and Linux.
What makes it special?
Sybase says that ASE 12.5 is the first RDBMS to incorporate an integrated XQL "open query" engine, which can search XML documents in the database, in files, or remotely via a URL.
How difficult is it?
Entry-level courses require a basic understanding of SQL Syntax and database concepts. There is a Fast Track to Adaptive Server course, which Sybase says will enable you to create, populate and query tables, write code in Transact-SQL and create stored procedures after four days.
Not to be confused with
An ancient Greek swineherd, or sybotes.
Where is it used?
Sybase has its strongest presence in the financial services sector. Other UK customers include Amnesty International, the Department of Transport, HarperCollins, Ordnance Survey, TeleWest and WorldCom.
Few people know that
SQL Server was jointly developed by Microsoft and Sybase. Sybase subsequently evolved it into Adaptive Server.
What's coming up?
ASE 12.5, now in beta.
Rates of pay
Analyst programmer : £28,000
Systems administrator: £31,000
Senior analyst programmer: £33,200
Database administrator: £54,200
Source: Computer Weekly/SSP salary survey, April 2001
Training: A list of Sybase training facilities and authorised training partners can be found at www.sybase.co.uk. Fees are high - £350 to £400 a day - and professional Sybase certification involves a minimum of three recommended courses.
