SQL Anywhere Cuts Development Costs, Time

fact sheet Vendor: Sybase, Inc. (www.sybase.com) Vendor's Information: About SQL Anywhere About Sybase iAnywhere

Today's data-intensive applications often rely on databases to organize and store data, which means one of the first decisions software developers need to consider is what type of database their application is going to use.

The decision boils down to two basic options: shipping the application and relying on the customer to have an external database, or embedding the database in the application.

IT organizations often rely on existing external databases because they want to use something already in place, but for developers an external database can drive up costs and increase development time. An external database means longer testing time and a more complicated QA matrix.

After development is complete, external databases can still drive up costs for development organizations. "If you rely on third-party databases, your support personnel need to become experts on those databases," said Mike Paola, Director of Engineering at Sybase.

A database in a corporate datacenter doesn't necessarily make a good fit for every application. A database that requires a lot of DBAs may not be a good fit for mobile or desktop applications, for example.

An embedded database like Sybase SQL Anywhere can lower customer acquisition costs, eliminate many start-up tasks, and make for a better out-of-the-box experience for customers. Support costs and QA are simplified because customers and developers alike know which version of the database they are dealing with and there is no hold up over database-purchasing decisions.

"You have what you need right in the application," Paola said.

SQL Anywhere is ideal for use in organizations that lack DBA support and full-time tech support, but it shouldn't be thought of as a "database lite" product. "We don't skimp on enterprise functionality, but it fits well in those environments where there is little or no DBA or IT support," Paola said.

SQL Anywhere was architected from the outset to include many self-management features designed to permit its deployment in an embedded database system. It utilizes resources in an efficient manner so it can run alongside other applications, which is a typical requirement in these environments. For example, auto start and auto stop functionality means the database is only running when required. In addition, dynamic cache sizing can grow or reduce the amount of memory required ensuring the database server does not unduly impact other applications. Database file binary-compatibility across operating systems and tracing and configuration tools eases remote support of these applications.

Embedded databases need to be as secure as databases in corporate datacenters, even if they are installed in an application at a remote office. SQL Anywhere features database file encryption and encryption of client-server communication streams.

IT organizations have spent countless hours and dollars trying to break down information silos in recent years, so it's important that the data that resides on an embedded database does not exist as "an island onto itself." SQL Anywhere relies on open standards that allow it to integrate with third-party databases and systems using .NET, ODBC, JDBC, XML, and Web services.

For example, this integration is important for applications like a field-service application that stores a company's master list of service calls in a corporate backend database. Technicians could then sync down the service calls to a laptop application that stores the data locally in an embedded database application. They make use of that local embedded database during their work day and sync back any updates to the corporate office.

SQL Anywhere can handle the data exchange of such an application and keep the data secure in the process. Its self-management features mean the field technicians can roam their territory and concentrate on their job without worrying about tech support needs; and its resource management means their laptops won't be slowed down by a bulky application.

The ease-of-use for both end users and developers make embedded databases an option worth considering for software development organizations. If you're interested in further exploring SQL Anywhere, a free developer download edition is available.