Office software companies SAP AG (SAP) and Sybase Inc. (SY) on Wednesday unveiled a partnership to deliver mobile enterprise programs to workers on the go.

The German software giant will make its SAP Business Suite available to Apple Inc. (AAPL) iPhones, Research In Motion Ltd. (RIMM) BlackBerrys and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) Windows Mobile phones and other devices using Sybase's mobile application platform. The move underscores the increasing importance of bringing onto smartphones programs routinely used on computers.

"We are currently witnessing the proliferation of mobile devices that is transforming the way users interact with information and applications on a global basis," said Sybase Chief Executive John Chen.

People are increasingly aware of the capabilities of smartphones and the kinds of programs they are able to run, partly thanks to the popularity of Apple's App Store. RIM and Microsoft have each launched their own App Store-like mobile markets to exploit the increasing interest in mobile applications.

Enterprise programs plan to figure prominently in this trend, as workers increasingly seek access to software such as customer relationship management programs while out in the field.

"Our customers demand mobile access to proven business applications to stay connected to their customers, suppliers, partners and employees to drive innovation and productivity," said Bill McDermott, the president of SAP's Global Field Operations.

For SAP, this is a way to stay relevant in the enterprise software game as more employees and tasks go mobile.

Sybase's platform allows data such as customer details to be pushed onto smartphones in real time, so users have the latest information available to them. Users can run the programs regardless of whether the cellphone has an active Internet connection.

SAP and Dublin, Calif.-based Sybase plan to make more enterprise applications available in mobile format and expand the number of devices capable of running those programs.

SAP shares were rising 0.8% to $34.04 in recent trading Wednesday, as Sybase shares rose 3.2% to $27.78.

-By Roger Cheng, Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-2020; roger.cheng@dowjones.com