The database is the most common way of storing and managing data. For quite some time now, databases are handled on server-side or cloud and mobile devices only communicate with them through the network. However, to make [1] applications more responsive and less dependent on network connectivity figure 1 shown below the trend of offline usage or less dependency on the network is gaining popularity.

Figure 1: Database for Mobile System

Nowadays, applications keep DB locally or make a copy of DB over the cloud onto local devices and sync with it once in a day or whenever there is network connectivity. This will help in faster and responsive applications that are functional even when there is no or limited internet connectivity.

Databases for mobiles need to be:

• Lightweight as storage is limited on mobile devices.
• No server requirement.
• In the form of the library with no or minimal dependency (embeddable) so that it can be used when needed
• Fast and secure.
• Easy to handle through code, and the option to make it private or shared with other applications.
• Low memory and power consumption.

Advantages of Mobile Databases

Some advantages of mobile databases are −

• The data in a database can be accessed from anywhere using a mobile database. It provides wireless database access.
• The database systems [2] are synchronized using mobile databases and multiple users can access the data with seamless delivery process.
• Mobile databases require very little support and maintenance.
• The mobile database can be synchronized with multiple devices such as mobiles, computer devices, laptops etc.

Disadvantages of Mobile Databases

Some disadvantages of mobile databases are −

• The mobile data is less secure than data that is stored in a conventional stationary database. This presents a security hazard.
• The mobile unit that houses a mobile database may frequently lose power because of limited battery. This should not lead to loss of data in database.

References:

1. https://blog.trigent.com/five-of-the-most-popular-databases-for-mobile-apps/#:~:text=%20Five%20of%20the%20Most%20Popular%20Databases%20for,to%20handle%20data%20in%20 different%20ways.%20More%20
2. https://www.tutorialspoint.com/Mobile-Databases

Cite this article:

S Nandhinidwaraka (2021) Features of Database for Mobile System, AnaTechmaz, pp. 20