Sybase (SY) is partnering with Xiamen Xiangtone to develop SMS 114, amobile information search service to be launched in August 2005.

The new service leverages Answers Anywhere by iAnywhere Solutions, a Sybase subsidiary, to enable mobile phone users to access information via SMS or WAP.

Xiamen Xiangtone (XXIT), a value-added Internet and mobile service provider, developed the SMS 114 mobile e-search system in late 2004. The company has adopted Answers Anywhere because of its advanced, patented technology that translates the customer's own words into relevant commands for back-end software systems and provides an accurate response for the user.

Answers Anywhere is a robust, carrier-grade middleware platform that features powerful natural language and context understanding capabilities. Already deployed by several leading wireless telecommunications carriers and independent software vendors (ISVs), Answers Anywhere drives adoption of applications and wireless data services by making it easier for end users to request information, in their own words, in any language.

"Paid search is already a rapidly growing and highly profitable segment of the Internet industry and mobile operators are discovering that they can also benefit from searches," said Raymond Teh, senior vice president and general manager of Sybase Asia Pacific. "By leveraging Answers Anywhere technology, Xiamen Xiangtone aims to extend its leadership position in China with this search capability. Mobile search services can have a big impact in terms of increasing data service usage, carrier revenues and improving customer loyalty."