Tyco Thermal Controls To Embed McObject’s eXtremeDB In-Memory Database and QNX Neutrino RTOS
October 5, 2002 — Tyco Thermal Controls, the global leader in heat tracing products and services, will adopt McObject’s eXtremeDB in-memory database system (IMDS) and the QNX® Neutrino® RTOS as core software components in a next-generation industrial control system.
In addition to praising eXtremeDB’s small footprint and intuitive programming interface, a Tyco Thermal Controls senior software developer said McObject’s database would add to system reliability and expandability.
In earlier generations, the Tyco Thermal Controls system for process and manufacturing plants used a “homegrown” database to coordinate realtime data. Migrating to off-the-shelf data management will simplify development and testing, especially in situations where the database must coordinate multiple processes, the senior developer said.
“Our previous data management solution was quite rigid. eXtremeDB will allow us to add processes that require database access fairly easily,” he said.
The Tyco Thermal Controls industrial control application will utilize a flash disk, making a memory-resident database a natural choice. As an IMDS, eXtremeDB eliminates disk I/O, caching and other performance overhead associated with disk-based databases, while keeping database code size to an ultra-small 110K or less.
In addition, while many database APIs present a significant learning curve, the eXtremeDB interface appeared “very easy to learn and understand,” the Tyco Thermal Controls senior developer said. Most of the methods for accessing persistent data are generated when the database is compiled, and hence are intuitive to learn and optimized for the project’s exact needs.
Expected benefits of this API for the Tyco Thermal Controls software engineering team include improved productivity and significantly shorter project time.
The QNX Neutrino realtime operating system (RTOS) was chosen for reasons of fault-tolerance, scalability and realtime performance, the Tyco Thermal Controls senior software developer said. QNX Neutrino’s multi-processing capabilities, proven in a wide range of applications, provide reliability even in the most demanding settings. The QNX Neutrino RTOS also supported the near-zero latency responsiveness requirements of the industrial control system.
About McObject
McObject, based in Issaquah, WA, is committed to building data management technology that makes intelligent devices smarter, and to providing first-rate support and consulting services to customers and partners. With more than 30 years experience in compilers, realtime systems, embedded data management and kernel level device-driver development, McObject’s founders are well-suited to deliver database technology that becomes as ubiquitous as computing itself. The company can be reached at 425 831 5964, or visit www.mcobject.com.
About Tyco Thermal Controls
Tyco Thermal Controls, a global heating solutions provider, is a division of Tyco Flow Control. The company offers a wide range of products and services that include comprehensive consultation, design, installation, and maintenance solutions for a broad base of applications in industrial, commercial and residential markets. For information about Tyco Thermal Controls, please visit www.tycothermal.com.
About QNX Software Systems
Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems is the industry leader in realtime, microkernel OS technology. The inherent reliability, scalable architecture, and small memory footprint of the QNX Neutrino RTOS make it the most trusted foundation for future-ready applications. Companies worldwide like Cisco, Delphi, Siemens, Alcatel, Texaco, and Ford depend on the QNX technology for network routers, medical devices, intelligent transportation systems, safety and security systems, next-generation robotics, and other mission-critical applications. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, QNX Software Systems maintains offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, and distributes its products in more than 100 countries worldwide. Visit www.qnx.com.
McObject and eXtremeDB are trademarks of McObject LLC. QNX and Neutrino are registered trademarks of QNX Software Systems. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.