ITTIA, a global supplier of embedded lightweight relational database software, has released a white paper detailing the challenges of hard-coded data management: “Breaking the Flat File Barrier for Embedded Developers.” This paper explores the use of custom binary and text file formats, and shows how they are inadequate for applications that are better served by a more suitable lightweight relational database solution.

Failure to leverage available software development tools can significantly hinder the long-term success of any application. Recognizing this, ITTIA announces the publication of a white paper that explains these barriers, sharing years of research and development with application developers of embedded systems and intelligent devices.

This insight comes at a critical time in the software industry. The demand for embedded devices is growing rapidly, and there is a clear need for development of advanced software to deliver new features on limited hardware, of which data management is a critical component. Embedded lightweight relational databases are used by portable media players to store movies and song trivia, GPS devices to store map data, and mobile devices to collect personal information. Many leading-edge industries have learned the importance of managing data reliably with a relational embedded data management system.

Developers face unique challenges when designing and implementing software for custom embedded hardware. Embedded processor architectures, such as ARM, PowerPC, AtomTM, and operating systems, such as Linux[], each have unique characteristics. Footprint and performance are especially important, and access to source code for all software components is required for customization and portability.

The white paper “Breaking the Flat File Barrier for Embedded Developers” is available on ITTIA’s website.

A free, 30-day evaluation of ITTIA DB SQL is available at the ITTIA DB Evaluation Center. The evaluation kit contains a complete embedded database library, optional server, and SQL tools.

About ITTIA

ITTIA offers database solutions for platforms where limited memory, storage, and processing power makes software development challenging. ITTIA develops fast, high-performance database products and tools with the goal of providing excellent data management software for embedded systems and devices. ITTIA products are designed to be suitable for application development and deployment at a significantly reduced cost. ITTIA customers include Puget Sound Energy, GlaxoSmithKline, Panasonic, Freescale, Fresenuis, and others. You can obtain more information about ITTIA at: www.ittia.com.