McObject Releases Hybrid Embedded Database for New HP Integrity Servers
February 15, 2007 — New McObject Software Combines Strengths of On-Disk and In-Memory Database Systems. McObject announced the availability of eXtremeDB Fusion™, which combines the strengths of on-disk and all-in-memory data management in a single embedded database system, for the new HP Integrity BL860c server blade and Integrity rx2660 server.
Engineers developing with HP Integrity servers can use eXtremeDB Fusion to tailor data management in order to optimize applications for speed and persistence, while taking advantage of the most cost-effective and physical space-conserving approaches to data storage.
McObject pioneered the field of in-memory embedded database systems (IMDSs) with eXtremeDB, its tiny footprint IMDS for embedded systems and real-time applications. Traditional on-disk databases cache frequently requested data in memory, but write all database updates, insertions and deletes through the cache to be stored on disk. In contrast, IMDSs eliminate disk access and store data in main memory, sending data to the hard disk only when specified by the application. IMDSs’ all-in-memory data storage means they are very fast, and their streamlined design reduces RAM and CPU demands.
However, on-disk database systems can bring advantages to an application. Some developers prefer the guaranteed persistence of automatic disk storage, and byte-for-byte, disk storage can be cheaper than memory. Disk storage can also take less physical space: RAM chips can’t yet approach the density of an 80GB micro-drive, for example. So for small form-factor devices with large storage needs, such “spinning memory” might be preferred.
Fusion Database: The Best of Both Worlds
eXtremeDB Fusion provides the best of both worlds, marrying in-memory database technology with the traditional disk-based database system. The result is a hybrid database for resource-constrained and high performance systems that affords developers the ultimate in flexibility.
eXtremeDB Fusion enables the developer to combine both database paradigms – in-memory and on-disk – in a single database instance. Specifying one set of data as transient (managed in memory), while choosing on-disk storage for other record types, requires a simple database schema declaration.
The resulting application retains in-memory strengths (speed, small database footprint, intuitive native API, etc.), while potentially leveraging the cost savings and built-in durability of an on-disk database.
eXtremeDB Fusion’s on-disk features are uniquely configurable, including three levels of transaction logging , to meet the target system’s footprint, performance and durability needs; developer-specified maximum database size, which is especially important when the ‘disk’ is actually a flash memory file system; ability to save and re-use database cache across sessions—so a user can resume some activity when a device is switched back on, for example; and physical implementation of the database in just one file, to simplify maintenance, limit I/O and reduce size.
“McObject’s philosophy has always been to put the developer in charge. The new eXtremeDB in-memory database represents the next step in that approach, providing the developer with tools to fine tune a system’s persistence, price-performance and even physical characteristics,” McObject Co-founder and CEO Steve Graves said. “For McObject, it makes eminent sense to support the new HP Integrity BL860c server blade and entry-level Integrity rx2660 server with eXtremeDB Fusion.” eXtremeDB Fusion for the new HP Integrity servers alongside its original eXtremeDB in-memory embedded database (which will also be available for the new Integrity BL860c and rx2660 servers). Like eXtremeDB, eXtremeDB Fusion will be available in High Availability, SQL and 64-bit editions, Graves said.
About McObject’s eXtremeDB In-Memory Embedded Database
Since its launch in 2002, manufacturers have embedded McObject’s eXtremeDB in-memory embedded database system in set-top boxes, mobile phones, military/aerospace equipment, telecom and netcom gear, MP3 players, industrial control and in many other devices and real-time software applications.
With eXtremeDB, McObject offers a highly portable database management system that meets the unique performance requirements and resource constraints of intelligent, connected devices. eXtremeDB provides critical data management features—including transactions, concurrent access, High Availability and a high-level data definition language—while maintaining a tiny code footprint (as little as 50K). As an in-memory database system (IMDS), eXtremeDB delivers the real-time responsiveness demanded in many device categories that cannot tolerate the response latency of on-disk database systems.
eXtremeDB also provides sophisticated development capabilities, such as support for complex data and varied query methods, a powerful debugging environment including a self-diagnostic API that catches a wide range of common programming errors before they slip into runtime code, and optional XML and SQL interfaces.
About McObject
Founded by embedded database and real-time systems experts, McObject offers proven data management technology that makes intelligent devices smarter, more reliable and more cost-effective to develop and maintain. McObject counts among its customers industry leaders such as DaimlerChrysler, EADS, JVC, Tyco Thermal Controls, F5 Networks, CA, Motorola and Boeing. McObject, based in Issaquah, WA, is committed to providing innovative technology and first-rate services to customers and partners. The company can be reached at +1-425-888-8505, or visit www.mcobject.com.
McObject, eXtremeDB and eXtremeDB Fusion are trademarks or registered trademarks of McObject LLC or its suppliers. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.