MOBILE DATABASE
A mobile database is either a stationary
database that can be connected to by a
mobile computing device - such as
smart phones or PDAs - over a
mobile network, or a database which is
actually carried by the mobile device. This
could be a list of contacts, price
information, distance travelled, or any other
information.
MOBILE DATABASE
• Many applications require the ability to
download information from an
information repository and operate on
this information even when out of range
or disconnected.
MOBILE DATABASE
• Mobile databases are highly
concentrated in the retail and logistics
industries. They are increasingly being
used in aviation and transportation
industry.
MOBILE DATABASE
• An example of this is a mobile workforce.
In this scenario, a user would require
access to update information from files
in the home directories on a server or
customer records from a database.
HOME DIRECTORY
• A home directory is a
file system directory on a multi-user
operating system containing files for a
given user of the system.
HOME DIRECTORY
• The specifics of the home directory (such
as its name and location) is defined by
the operating system involved; for
example, Windows systems between
2000 and 2003 keep home directories in
a folder called Documents and Settings.
CONSIDERATIONS
• Mobile users must be able to work
without a network connection due to poor
or even non-existent connections.
• A cache could maintained to hold recently
accessed data and transactions so that
they are not lost due to connection failure.
CONSIDERATIONS
• Users might not require access to truly
live data, only recently modified data,
and uploading of changing might be
deferred until reconnected.
• Bandwidth must be conserved (a
common requirement on wireless
networks that charge per megabyte .
CONSIDERATIONS
• Mobile computing devices tend to have
slower CPUs and limited battery life.
• Users with multiple devices (ie:
smartphone and tablet) may need to
synchronize their devices to a centralized
data store. This may require application-
specific automation features.
CONSIDERATIONS
• Users may change location geographically
and on the network. Usually dealing with
this, is left to the operating system, which is
responsible for maintaining the wireless
network connection.
MDS capabilities
• Can physically move around without
affecting data availability
• Can reach to the place data is stored
• Can process special types of data efficiently
• Not subjected to connection restrictions
• Very high reachability
• Highly portable
MDS Limitations
• Limited wireless bandwidth
• Wireless communication speed
• Limited energy source (battery power)
• Less secured
• Vulnerable to physical activities
• Hard to make theft proof.
MDS Applications
• Insurance companies
• Emergencies services (Police, medical,
etc.)
• Traffic control
• Taxi dispatch
• E-commerce
