Adobe Flash Builder to connect to SAP systems

Adobe Flash Builder 4.5 will be integrated to work with the SAP NetWeaver Gateway, allowing developers to build web and mobile applications that plug in to SAP applications and services.

The integration will allow developers to build new front-end interfaces that connect to SAP business and consumer process applications, allowing users to access business data from a range of devices and platforms, Adobe said on Friday. Supported operating systems include iOS, BlackBerry Tablet OS and Android.

Adobe said developers have already been using the company's tools to develop apps for SAP systems but that the integration will provide a wider range of functionality.

"SAP NetWeaver Gateway provides a new level of openness to the core SAP application infrastructure," Ed Rowe, vice president of developer tooling at Adobe, said in a statement.

"As we integrate Flash Builder with SAP NetWeaver Gateway, the power of the SAP platform is complemented with Flash Builder, enabling the rapid development of rich Web and mobile applications."

NetWeaver Gateway, launched on Wednesday, is a new product that connects SAP and non-SAP products to the company's core software and services. It will provide a set of APIs — including including Flex, Silverlight, .NET, SharePoint, and Java — to allow various technologies to gain access to SAP products.

NetWeaver 7.0.2 or above is required to run Gateway, Adobe said in a blog post.

Adobe said it expects to deliver the first preview of the integration between Flash Builder and NetWeaver Gateway "later this year".