New Perst Version 4.0 Broadens Scope of Java & .NET Embedded Database


ISSAQUAH, WA--(Marketwire - January 26, 2009) - McObject® has released Perst™ 4.0, the latest upgrade of its open source, object-oriented embedded database for Java and .NET. Version 4.0 greatly expands Perst's usefulness in a broad range of applications by enabling it to add persistence to any object -- including objects created by other programs, those for which source code is unavailable, and even objects created in different programming languages.

Perst 4.0 also adds rich new tools for developing mobile and embedded applications in both Java ME and in Google's Android environment. For Perst Lite (the Java ME edition of Perst), version 4.0 adds seamless integration with the popular EclipseME integrated development environment, as well as improved handling of memory and storage.

In addition, Perst Lite 4.0 adds full-text search capability. To illustrate the use of full-text search, the release also includes a new sample application, with full source code, demonstrating a local search engine that indexes and retrieves contact information stored on Java ME- and Android-based mobile phones.

"Recent industry consolidations have reduced the number of vendors specializing in embedded database technology," McObject CEO and Co-founder Steve Graves said. "McObject remains dedicated to offering an open source database for Java and .NET, with characteristics such as a small footprint, zero administration and fast performance that make it ideal for embedding. Perst 4.0 demonstrates this commitment by making the DBMS applicable to a wider range of Java and .NET challenges, and we expect Perst's developer community to grow as a result."

Past versions of Perst enabled developers to create and manage Java and .NET objects derived from the database system's Persistent class, while benefiting from Perst's high performance, small footprint, and features such as ACID (Atomic, Consistent, Isolated and Durable) transactions, a SQL-like interface and specialized collections classes.

In version 4.0, "foreign" objects or objects derived from any class can be stored in the database, vastly increasing Perst's usability with external programs. As a result, Perst can be added as storage for existing applications such as commercial or open source class frameworks, including GUI classes, object-request brokers, and industry-specific solutions; UML modeling tools that generate classes from wizards; and programs whose source code is not available.

Perst 4.0's enhancements for mobile and embedded application developers include a new example application -- called PIMindex for Java ME, and ContactsIndex for Android -- that builds on the embedded database's full-text search to provide a local search engine for contact management files on a cell phone or other device. The example software -- which is provided with full source code -- could be extended to provide search capabilities for PDF, word processing, HTML and other stored files. Both PIMindex and ContactsIndex are included in the Perst 4.0 for Java distribution (which also includes both Perst and Perst Lite).

Perst Lite 4.0 has also been updated to work with EclipseME, the Java ME plug-in to IBM's popular free Eclipse development framework. Perst Lite now includes a sample EclipseME project in its ProScout example application. With the enhancements, Perst Lite supports developers in building Java ME applications (midlets) under EclipseME as part of software packages to be uploaded into devices -- adding embedded database capabilities to the list of software features that can go "From zero to mobile in minutes," in the words of the EclipseME project (http://eclipseme.org/).

In addition to EclipseME support, Perst Lite 4.0 includes these enhancements:

--  Full-text search. Perst Lite stores an inverse index of keywords, with
    parsing and stemming of indexed text performed either by user-defined code
    or by Perst's default simple parser and stemmer. This feature supports
    logical operators and calculates search results' relevance to a query.
--  Automatic determination of storage type. Perst Lite now chooses the
    correct storage layer implementation from among Java ME Connected Device
    Configuration (CDC) file interfaces: JSR-75, which allows access to file
    systems on certain devices; or Java ME's Record Management System (RMS)
    persistent storage mechanism.
--  Support for "weak references." This simplifies the object caching
    process by allowing objects to be claimed by Java ME's garbage collection,
    thus eliminating the need for developers to explicitly control cache size.
    

Perst 4.0 for Java and .NET, with full source code, can be downloaded from http://www.mcobject.com/perst_eval.

About McObject

Founded by embedded database and real-time systems experts, McObject offers proven data management technology that makes applications and devices smarter, more reliable and more cost-effective to develop and maintain. McObject counts among its customers industry leaders such as Chrysler, Maximizer Software, Siemens, Phillips, EADS, JVC, Tyco Thermal Controls, F5 Networks, DIRECTV, CA, Motorola and Boeing. McObject, based in Issaquah, WA, is committed to providing innovative technology and first-rate services to customers and partners. The company can be reached at +1-425-888-8505, or visit www.mcobject.com.

McObject and eXtremeDB are trademarks or registered trademarks of McObject LLC. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Ted Kenney McObject LLC 425-888-8505