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PRODUCT REVIEW
DATABASE SERVERS
INTERSYSTEMS' CACHE COMBINES TECHNOLOGIES TO PRODUCE A FLEXIBLE AND SCALABLE DATABASE
Database technology has evolved considerably over the last three decades. First of all, relational technology has given us the power to query and manipulate the data in complex ways. Second, object-oriented programming has been widely recognized as a more structured approach to modeling and systems development - it promotes reusability and ease of maintenance, and generally makes software more reliable. The relatively new field of online analytic processing (OLAP) applications has helped us understand a third concept: Multidimensional storage makes applications run faster. Now imagine a database that embraces all three technologies.
InterSystems' Cache 5 is a "post-relational" database that combines all three technologies. It provides both relational and object access to data stored in a multidimensional engine. Additionally, it includes several features that make it well suited for developing Web applications. True to its name, Cache also improves performance by caching the data locally either at the client or on the application server.
OBJECT AND RELATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES
The database market consists of relational heavyweights such as Oracle, IBM's DB2 and Informix, Microsoft's SQL Server, and Sybase's Adaptive Server Enterprise. On the other hand, object databases such as Objectivity Inc.'s Objectivity/DB, Computer Associates' Jasmine, eXcelon Corp.'s ObjectStore, FastObjects from Poet Software Corp., Versant Developer Suite from Versant Corp., and Database for Objects from db4o have carved a niche for themselves in the marketplace.
The success of object-oriented technology has prompted many traditional relational database vendors - for example, Oracle, DB2, and Informix to add object/relational features to their databases. InterSystems' Cache stands out from the crowd, because it was designed to provide both relational and object access...