DB2 Everyplace's synchronization is managed using the centralized MDAC (Mobile Device Administration Center), which gives DB2 Everyplace a small client footprint. For development, IBM provides client libraries for supported OSs--including Linux, Palm OS, Windows CE/ Pocket PC, Win32, Symbian and Embedded Linux. The product's usefulness out of the box is limited: You'll need to write apps for the database to take advantage of the sync server. Because only the necessary APIs are implemented for the target device, it's easy to develop apps for mobile devices. DES 56 or 128 is available for secure communications with the synchronization server, and table-level encryption--as opposed to the database-only encryption offered by some mobile-sync products--is used. For larger databases on the client, DB2 Everyplace supports microdrives and Flash memory.
Data synchronization to mobile devices is not restricted to IBM relational databases: DB2 Everyplace supports IBM DB2 UDB8 (Universal Database), Cloudscape, Informix, Lotus Domino, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle and Sybase.
Wanted: Beefy Server
DB2 Everyplace 8.1.4 requires at least a Pentium III with 512 MB of RAM (1 GB is recommended if you're using WebSphere as the application server). Although the server appeared to run fine on a machine with only 256 MB of RAM in my tests at our Green Bay, Wis., labs, running the Java administrative tools was painful.
For a Linux installation, you'll need to do a little work, including manipulating kernel parameters. The changes, which can be made with sysctl, include increasing file-handle maximums, shared memory and thread maximums. You'll also need to export your display if you aren't running X on the server. I did the install locally within X and administration remotely on a laptop running Mandrake Linux 9.1. Both methods worked well.
Discover the benefits of scalable backbone and network services for application and cloud providers.
Network automation is gaining momentum. Here's how you can drive this powerful technology to its full potential.
Subsea cable alternatives can provide a level of comfort for those concerned about disruptions. Realistically, they will continue to play a small, but critical role in the short term.
