Databases embedded in applications for mobile devices are based increasingly on non-relational, open source software, according to research sponsored by a company offering an object-oriented DBMS under dual licenses. Db4objects says its db4o Java/.NET database has become the “world's most popular object database” since it was released under the GPL eight months ago.

Db4o can store Java, .NET, or mono objects without requiring conversion to SQL or another format. It targets real-time control systems, software products, and devices such as mobile electronics, game consoles, medical equipment, and automotive systems.

Db4objects released db4o under the GPL in December of last year, retaining a commercial license for those wishing to embed the software in commercial applications. The software has since attracted a registered user community of 6,000 developers, and has been downloaded a quarter of a million times, the company says (the chart at right, supplied by Db4objects, depicts downloads before and after GPL licensing move in Q4, 2004).

OO DBMSs go mobile

An IDC study funded by Db4objects found increasing uptake of non-relational and open source database technologies in applications for mobile devices. IDC's research director for information and data management software, Carl Olofson, said, “Object-oriented [OO] DBMSs could well enjoy a second growth period as embedded DBMSs, due to the efficient and flexible data management they offer object-oriented applications.”

Olofson adds, “Open source DBMSs are also attractive as embedded DBMSs, because of the technological control they offer ISVs, as well as flexibility in licensing.”

VDC's Chris Lanfear, meanwhile, said, “Especially on the client side, such as in stand-alone devices and other zero-administration environments, engineers look for innovative persistence solutions that meet their immediate specifications and help them outrun the competition. As a result, more than 50 percent of embedded and device software developers still build their own database tools today. With the advent of standardized object-oriented platforms, such as embedded Java and the .NET CompactFramework, we expect object databases to become a universal solution for OO persistence — with db4o's open source offering leading the charge.”

Db4objects is a privately held company based in San Mateo, Calif. It's investors including Mark Leslie, founding CEO of Veritas. Its customers include BMW, Hertz, and Bosch, it says.

Additional details about db4o can be found here. The Db4objects-sponsored IDC report is available for download here.

 
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