MWC 2010: Oracle extends Database Lite mobile support

Oracle is targeting an increasingly mobile workforce

Oracle has launched the latest version of Database Lite, designed to address the rising number of mobile workers requiring access to databases on the move.

Database Lite features two key new elements. The first is a Mobile Server, which enables mobile users to synchronise devices with back-end database servers whatever their location or type of connection.

This allows disconnected users to have an experience that is virtually identical to users who are connected, according to Oracle.

The second new feature is Database Lite Client, which offers bidirectional synchronisation between the SQLite database and Oracle Database.

Marie-Anne Neimat, vice president of software development at Oracle, explained that the new version of Database Lite had been developed to meet the needs of an increasingly mobile workforce.

"Oracle Database Lite supports mobile applications built on the open-source SQLite database, and addresses the need to improve productivity for a large community of mobile workers by allowing access to their enterprise Oracle Database, regardless of location," she said.

Oracle also explained that the new Lite database can offer user authentication on client devices with a Common Access Card, so that any applications requiring a high level of security can be accessed via smartcards to establish the employee's credentials.

Additionally, devices with access to the database can be shared among staff by using re-registration, so that the devices can be used by different employees during different shifts or on different days, the company said.