Developers Launch McObject LLC To Build Data Management Technology For Intelligent, Connected Devices
September 10, 2001 — A new company, McObject LLC, is building data management technology to meet the unique needs of applications running within intelligent, connected devices. Founded by veteran developers who pioneered the first databases in set-top boxes, industrial automation and other high-tech gear, McObject will ship its eXtremeDB 1.0 software in late September.
An early release evaluation version of eXtremeDB 1.0 is now available from www.mcobject.com/downloads. Supported platforms include Wind River Systems’ VxWorks/Tornado, Embedded NT, Windows CE and Linux.
Why A New Database Company?
Intelligent devices, with their increasingly sophisticated features, demand better built-in data management. But existing business-oriented databases have proven less than ideal. Relational databases’ memory and CPU requirements tack on costs. The technology lacks real-time responsiveness and tools for creating tightly integrated, highly efficient embedded systems.
McObject President and CEO Steve Graves learned these requirements first-hand, as a senior database industry executive working with manufacturers including Hewlett-Packard and Nortel Networks to adapt existing databases for high-tech gear. Making the database function within the confines of a set-top box, network switch or wireless device often required extensive, and expensive, customization.
“Relational database technology can be shoehorned into intelligent devices, but at a price,” Graves said. “We saw an opportunity to build a new data management engine from scratch, to meet the needs of emerging device-based applications economically and elegantly. The result is McObject and eXtremeDB.”
The Opportunity.
The market need recognized by McObject’s founders is borne out by recent research. Embedded systems developers see the need to move from self-developed data management components to proven database solutions. In a study by Embedded Systems Programming magazine, 25 percent of respondents in 2000 reported they have used or considered using commercial data management technology in their projects, representing a 47 percent growth rate compared to a year earlier.
Just as impressive is growth in the market value of intelligent devices that are prime candidates for adopting data management technology. For example, Merrill Lynch predicts the worldwide market for communications equipment will grow by 17 percent annually and reach $600 billion in 2003.
A single product category, networking equipment, is projected to grow to $50 billion in 2001, according to Cahners-InStat. Digital set-top boxes, another McObject target market, should exceed $11.5 billion in annual sales in 2004, according to Multimedia Research Group.
About McObject.
McObject LLC, 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, real-time 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.