PocketBuilder is a smart-client application development tool that enables you to build applications for handheld devices in an object-centric, graphical, desktop environment, and then deploy those applications to supported Pocket PC and Smartphone devices or emulators.
Whether you already use PowerBuilder or are new to Sybase application development tools, PocketBuilder can help you create applications for the mobile environment quickly and efficiently. You can also use PocketBuilder to migrate existing PowerBuilder desktop applications to handheld devices.
The target platform for PocketBuilder applications is the Windows CE operating system, including its more recent Windows Mobile enhancements. The Windows CE API is a subset of the API for traditional Windows platforms. The most obvious difference between Windows CE and desktop Windows platforms is the screen size (real estate) available to deployed applications. There are also stylistic differences for applications deployed to Windows CE platforms.
PocketBuilder:
Provides a highly productive 4GL Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for mobile development
Delivers the same Rapid Application Development (RAD) platform that PowerBuilder developers rely upon today
Extends the patented Sybase DataWindow to mobile environments, enabling dynamic data access with display formatting and data manipulation capabilities, with mininal or no coding required
Introduces tight integration with SQL Anywhere, simplifying the creation of database-powered mobile enterprise applications and enabling synchronization with enterprise-level data
Provides native objects and controls for integration with diverse Pocket PC programs and tools, including the Pocket Outlook Object Manager, Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs), various bar code scanners, biometric scanners, digital cameras, and GPS devices.
Supports SMS messaging, getting and setting screen orientation, and signing of CABs and applications.
The PocketBuilder IDE runs on Microsoft Windows 2000 (with Service Pack 2), Windows XP, Windows 2003, and Windows Vista desktops for application development. You can deploy PocketBuilder applications to Pocket PC and Smartphone devices and emulators.
For more information on supported devices and emulators, see the Release Bulletin for your version of PocketBuilder. The Release Bulletin also includes pointers to Web sites where you can download supported emulators.
