McObject’s New eXtremeDB 3.0 In-Memory Embedded DB

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Ted Kenney writes “McObject has released eXtremeDB 3.0, a major upgrade of its in-memory embedded database for intelligent devices. New features in eXtremeDB 3.0 comprise a developer’s checklist of improvements, many of which build on the database’s key strengths of real-time performance and ultra-small memory and CPU “footprint.”

Other additions—such as a remote access interface and support for non-volatile RAM (NVRAM, or battery-powered RAM)—contribute to developer efficiency, and bolster eXtremeDB’s innovator status in providing durable and scalable data management for networked embedded systems.

To download a free evaluation copy of eXtremeDB 3.0 for Linux, click here.

One important enhancement to eXtremeDB 3.0 is improved task scheduling, which employs a fast new synchronization mechanism that minimizes expensive context switches, while using fewer CPU cycles to resolve resource contention. This results in improved performance and in greater scalability from low-end and even no-OS environments, to high-end Linux, Solaris, and HP-UX-based servers.

eXtremeDB 3.0’s NVRAM support presents an attractive new recovery option for an in-memory database. NVRAM is memory that is backed up by a battery so even if a device is turned off or loses its power source, the content of the memory remains. eXtremeDB 3.0 enables a process to reconnect to the NVRAM-hosted database, initiate any needed cleanup, and then resume normal operation after the system reboots.

For failsafe embedded data management, McObject offers the eXtremeDB High Availability (HA) edition. eXtremeDB HA version 3.0 adds support for “1-safe” or asynchronous replication. In 1-safe replication, a database transaction is committed on the primary node without waiting for updates to propagate to replica nodes, resulting in shorter resource holding time suitable for applications with less stringent reliability requirements (eXtremeDB already supported 2-safe or synchronous replication for systems with the strictest durability requirements). The addition of 1-safe replication provides a new HA option for developers to tune availability and performance to the system requirements.

“Fueled by the growth of the Internet and a convergence of functions, technologically advanced devices must increasingly manage complex data with a proven, tightly integrated database engine,” said Stephen Balacco, embedded software analyst at Venture Development Corporation (VDC). “McObject’s eXtremeDB 3.0 recognizes the unique requirements for device data management in key areas such as performance, small footprint, development ease and flexibility.”

As befits a database provided as a flexible programming library, many of eXtremeDB 3.0’s new features consist of API additions and improvements. New functions that enhance performance and efficiency include:

Direct structures. In previous versions, each individual field of data classes and structures were read/written individually. In eXtremeDB 3.0, an embedded structure can be declared ‘direct’ and interfaces will be created to read/write the entire structure. The result is less coding and therefore a smaller code footprint, and better performance.

Classname_delete_all() allows all objects of a class to be deleted in a single function call (previously it was necessary to delete objects one at a time). The result, again, is to eliminate repetitive coding, reduce footprint, and enhance performance.

Classname_fieldname_pack() is a new function to release memory tied up in “gaps” resulting from deleted elements in vectors. Memory is used more efficiently: more data can be stored in the same amount of space.

eXtremeDB offers sophisticated developer tools, and version 3.0 extends this advantage with several new features:

The function classname_fieldname_pattern_search() offers pattern-matching, similar to the SQL wildcard capability, in eXtremeDB’s native API. Pattern-matching expands eXtremeDB’s partial-key search (e.g. all names starting with “Jo”) to more complex patterns that include wildcard characters, such as “Jo*n*, which would match “Jones,” “Johnston,” etc.

eXtremeDB 3.0’s new Database browser utility enables a user to browse and edit a database’s contents during development, for testing and verification.

Remote Access Interface. eXtremeDB 3.0 will generate an interface enabling programs to read from and write to eXtremeDB from different machines on a network. In earlier versions, programs interacting with the database had to reside on the same target system, or developers implemented their own remote interface, for example with SOAP or CORBA.

Unicode. eXtremeDB 3.0’s support for Unicode enables use of a wider range of character sets (such as many Asian alphabets), which simplifies the development process and adds to marketability of eXtremeDB-based products internationally.

About eXtremeDB

With eXtremeDB, McObject offers a database management system that meets the 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 by consumer electronics, network infrastructure gear, industrial control applications and other embedded systems.

eXtremeDB also provides sophisticated development capabilities, such as support for varied data and query types, a high-level data definition language, and a powerful debugging environment including a self-diagnostic API that catches a wide range of common programming errors before they slip into runtime code.

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, Peiker acustic, Tyco Thermal Controls, F5 Networks, JVC, 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 +1-425-831-5964, or visit www.mcobject.com.

McObject and eXtremeDB are registered trademarks of McObject LLC. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Link: mcobject.com