Sybase SQL Anywhere

What is this system?

SQL Anywhere is an integrated relational database management system (RDBMS) designed to enable database applications to run outside traditional data centers.

What is it designed for?

It is designed to run on PCs in satellite offices, mobile devices, and servers in smaller businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores. The embedded database can capture billions of bits of data from IoT devices, such as sensors and other internet-enabled products, and combine them with business enterprise data. This means that data from medical devices, industrial machinery, smart meters, and more can be integrated and analyzed in business applications.

A bidirectional replication technology in SQL Anywhere, called Mobilink, allows data to synchronize whenever a connection is available. Mobilink works with UltraLite, a compact RDBMS database in process for resource-limited platforms, such as smartphones and other portable devices.

SQL Anywhere is used in various contexts, including as an embedded database, particularly as an application data warehouse. For example, it is used in Intuit QuickBooks, in network management products, and in backup products. Its ability to be used with minimal management is a distinctive feature in this role.

It can be used as a database server for workgroups or for small to medium-sized enterprises. It can also function as a mobile database. It includes scalable data synchronization technology that provides change-based replication between separate databases, including large server-based RDBMS systems.

 

Technology

SQL Anywhere Server is an embeddable, high-performance relational database management system (RDBMS) that scales from thousands of users in server environments to desktop and mobile applications used in widely implemented zero-management environments.

• UltraLite: UltraLite is a database management system designed for small mobile devices, such as PDAs and smartphones.
• Mobilink: MobiLink is a highly scalable session-based synchronization technology for exchanging data between relational databases and other non-relational data sources.
• QAnywhere: QAnywhere facilitates the development of robust and secure mobile messaging applications for storage and forwarding.

 

SQL Remote: SQL Remote technology is based on a store-and-forward architecture that enables occasionally connected users to synchronize data between SQL Anywhere databases using a file transfer or messaging mechanism.

 

Independent files

Database files are kept independent of the operating system, allowing them to be copied between compatible platforms. Therefore, applications are possible in industries that have remote locations or field offices that are not constantly connected to main data centers, as remote devices can operate independently and synchronize only when a connection is available. Strong encryption helps ensure data security.

SQL Anywhere is also designed to be highly scalable in both the number of users it can support and the amount of data it can process. It is claimed that the embedded database enables point-of-business applications that can run without on-premises IT staff and require little maintenance due to its self-healing and zero-management capabilities.

Due to this scalability, the size of businesses that use SQL Anywhere varies widely, but the software is often used by smaller companies, satellite offices of large enterprises, remote and overseas locations, and smart systems such as ticket sales kiosks for public transport.

 

History

SQL Anywhere was first released as Sybase SQL Anywhere before SAP acquired Sybase in 2010.

It is available for download from the SAP Store and is licensed and priced according to the functionality and number of users required at any given time.

 

Execution environments

SQL Anywhere can run on Windows, Windows CE, Mac OS X, and various UNIX platforms, including Linux, AIX, HP-UX, and Solaris. The database files are operating system-independent, allowing them to be copied between compatible platforms.

The product provides several standard interfaces (ODBC, JDBC, and ADO.NET) and several special interfaces such as PHP and Perl. The engine supports stored procedures, user-defined functions (using Watcom SQL, T-SQL, Java, or C/C++), triggers, referential integrity, row-level locking, replication, high availability, proxy tables, and events (scheduled and system events). Strong encryption is supported for both database files and client-server communication.

 

Features

Enhanced data synchronization

Supports bidirectional data synchronization between mobile devices and enterprise systems and one to thousands of remote and mobile users with enterprise systems and data. Develop and deploy database-powered applications at the point of action.

 

Enhanced security with data encryption

Protect assets with 128-bit encryption of tables, files, and database communication streams between applications, the database, and the MobiLink synchronization stream. Audit data access and enhance security with built-in user authentication and integration through third-party authentication systems.

 

Extended mobility

Manage enterprise data anywhere, from the data center to devices. Access enterprise-grade databases operating on frontline systems and devices, whether connectivity with enterprise systems is available or not, and exchange data efficiently over wired and wireless networks.

 

Instant access to strategic information

Facilitates quick and accurate decision-making at the front lines of your business by optimizing the collection and analysis of the data required for critical tasks. Enable integration with SAP HANA’s in-memory business data platform and other data sources.