Introduction to mobile databases lecture slide

slides

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. MOBILE DATABASE
•Mobile databases are highly
concentrated in the retail and logistics
industries. They are increasingly being
used in aviation and transportation
industry.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 .

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. MDS Limitations
•Limited wireless bandwidth
•Wireless communication speed
•Limited energy source (battery power)
•Less secured
•Vulnerable to physical activities
•Hard to make theft proof.

13. MDS Applications
•Insurance companies
•Emergencies services (Police, medical,
etc.)
•Traffic control
•Taxi dispatch
•E-commerce