Cache binds data

by Tim Fielden

May 22, 2001 —

To remain competitive, today's enterprises must deploy relational systems that span large networks, service thousands of clients, and provide superb performance at a low cost. Unfortunately, because most enterprise data exists in a multitude of formats and on a variety of platforms, effectively managing corporate data is a very difficult task.

InterSystems Inc.'s Cache 4.0, a database system optimized for transaction processing, can solve your information management nightmares. In fact, it combines the two features users demand most: a rapid application development platform and a fast database.

Cache's proprietary Unified Data Architecture provides automatic access to all data in either object or table form, sidestepping the need to map from one format to the other. Better yet, because Cache stores its data in a multidimensional format, it assures exceptional performance even under heavy load.

Among the most prominent new features is the Cache Server Pages, which enables developers to quickly create dynamic Web applications. Specialized Cache Application Tags integrate with standard HTML and XML documents to execute functions on the Cache data server and browser. Cache Server Pages are supported only on Microsoft Corp. Internet Information Services and Personal Web Server, Apache 1.3.12, and Netscape Communications Corp./Sun Microsystems Inc.'s iPlanet 4.0 Web servers.

Also key is the Cache SQL Gateway, which offers transparent access from Cache Objects and Cache Server Pages to legacy relational information stores, such as Oracle and SQL Server databases. InterSystems claims that it operates with any ODBC data source, but we found that formal support was limited to the Microsoft and Oracle databases.

Nevertheless, we recommend Cache 4.0 to any company looking for superior database performance.

THE BOTTOM LINE: CONSIDER

Cache 4.0

Business Case: This fast, high-performance database spans large networks, aids in transaction processing, and integrates legacy data with enterprise applications.

Technology Case: Cache server pages offer potential, but its proprietary scripting language may deter Java devotees.

Pros:

+ Scalable and easy to administer

Cons:

- Supports only Oracle and SQL servers

- Does not support uncommon Web servers

Cost: Half a cent per Web request; starts at US$140 per concurrent user

Platform(s): Windows 95/98/2000, Windows NT, AIX, Linux, HP-UX, Solaris, Tru64 Unix, and OpenVMS

Company: InterSystems Corp., www.intersystems.com

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