IBM has donated an embeddable Java-based relational database with a 2MB footprint to the Apache Software Foundation. The Derby database was donated to “spur communal innovation for Java application development,” according to Big Blue, and create business opportunities for applications that use embedded databases or are used by small businesses.

“Derby” is IBM's current name for Cloudscape, a relational database developed by Informix and ported to Linux in June, 2000. The database has a 2MB footprint and requires no administration: this allows it to be “embedded,” or completely controlled from within an application. Cloudscape is currently embedded in several IBM products, including its WebSphere Portal and WebSphere Application Server.

IBM has contributed the code to Apache under the ASF corporate contributor license grant. The project will initially be managed by the Apache Incubator, which will inspect the code to ensure that it conforms to the organization's standards for licensing and code integrity and will oversee the formation of the development community, according to IBM.

At some point in the future, IBM plans to re-introduce Cloudscape as a standalone commercial product. The commercial version of Cloudscape will share a codebase with the open source Derby project, IBM says.

IBM says Derby is appropriate for use in applications that do not require a full enterprise-class RDBMS, or about 30 percent of all applications. Typical applications include small web sites, point-of-sales systems, local registries and repositories, and small departmental applications.

“By open sourcing Derby we hope to accelerate the development of Java-based applications and to drive innovation around Linux and Java communities,” said IBM GM of Data Management Software Janet Perna.

Greg Stein, chairman of the Apache Software Foundation, said “By accepting Derby into the incubator, we are taking a big step forward in providing a turnkey database solution to Java application developers.”

IBM says it participates in and contributes to more than 150 open source projects, more than any other company, it claims.

 
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