Encore! Encore! Is it Time for a Little Sequel in Your Magic Applications?

 Migrating a flat file or Btrieve type application to the Magic uniPaaS Application Platform using a SQL database can deliver an organization numerous benefits.  Structured Query Language (SQL) databases provide an enterprise class data platform for use in business applications. Most developers would agree that SQL databases are preferred for enterprise-class business applications developed on the Magic uniPaaS Application Platform. Why?

SQL provides: a more robust data functionality to support business requirements such as OLTP and data warehousing; higher levels of security for mission-critical applications; the ability to apply business rules from within the database; and support for increased levels of transaction activity.

Because SQL is a popular concept used in databases such as MS-SQL, DB2 and Oracle databases, it is widely supported by a variety of data management, business applications, reporting and business intelligence tools. Not only are connections to other systems simplified, applications built on SQL are more future-proof than other applications. Standardization on SQL makes it easier for an organization to manage its data regardless of its use context.

SQL databases provided an advanced environment for data security that can be achieved through high level tools.In addition, identity management and control over information access is simplified through SQL across multiple applications.

In general, SQL is better suited to very large database sizes and maintains a higher degree of transactional integrity and operational reliability. In other words, it is less likely to crash. Data integrity can be maintained on the database level and metadata is more easily tracked for purposes such as audit logs.

While there are costs associated with most SQL databases, there are also express or light versions of SQL databases available for more cost-sensitive applications.

Most Magic uniPaaS Application Platform installations rely upon SQL as their primary database, in part because SQL can deliver database level functionality not inherent to other approaches:

·         Sequence and identity mechanisms are included in SQL databases for better multi-user application functionality.

·         SQL statements provide functionality for better application maintenance such as version updates, updated field definitions, table structure conversions, and added fields and indexes.

·         The Where clause is a powerful feature of SQL databases that allows for advanced filtering.

Because SQL can incorporate logical transactions at the database level, use of stored procedures, and an object-oriented methodology, it is often viewed as a superior choice for all sizes and types of applications.