Sybase readies revamped database

Sybase is preparing to release this week a major new version of its database software, Adaptive Server Enterprise 15. The update offers customers greater security and scalability features, with significant advances in areas such as encryption and manageability, according to the company.

One key feature in ASE 15 is a new query-processing engine intended to lower users' operating costs and improve performance. Customers are no longer using databases only for transactional processing; increasingly, they're simultaneously running analytics software to mine stored information. ASE 15's new engine is designed to handle the performance demands of mixed workload environments running both online transaction processing applications.

In a white paper posted on its Web site, Sybase details its host of optimization changes to the engine, which include new hashing and data partitioning techniques, technology to help shape complex queries for faster execution and parallel query features enabling simultaneous use of multiple processors so that hardware will be used more efficiently. Such changes can save money by reducing staff resources and time needed to maintain Sybase databases.

Data security is another focus area. ASE 15 introduces a new on-disk encryption system intended to protect data without requiring application modifications. It includes a permission-based security system for encryption keys, providing them only to designated users.

Sybase's current ASE architecture, Version 12.5, debuted in 2001 and received its last serious overhaul 18 months ago, to Version 12.5.2. ASE 15 has been in beta testing for more than a year. The new version is scheduled for a formal launch Sept. 15 and also will begin shipping to customers, says Raj Nathan, senior vice president of Sybase's IT group. An ASE 15 version of Sybase's free, more limited database, ASE Express for Linux, will follow within 90 days, he says.

In the relational database management system market, Sybase is a small player. Research firms Gartner and IDC each estimate Sybase's 2004 market share at around 3%, compared with the commanding 40% shares held by market leaders IBM and Oracle. Microsoft trails distantly in third but holds a double-digit market share. Sybase has a strong foothold in the financial services and banking markets.