Cloudscape Inc this week released the next version of its object relational database, boasting higher performance, new security features and the ability to download the software, with just one click of a button, over the internet. Version 2.0 of the database, called Cloudscape after the company, is written 100% in Java and like previous releases is aimed at single user or workgroup applications. The latest release has been fine tuned to speed load time and index creation as well as supporting LDAP single sign on authentication for security. In addition, developers can now encrypt the entire database so that only designated users can access the software, using a password; a feature which Cloudscape says is unique at this end of the market.

The company also announced the release of its application synchronization technology called Cloudsync. The software, which enables users to synchronize data between laptops and the central server, has been in beta for 5 months and costs $400 per user license. But rather than just synchronizing data in the standard way, Malcolm Colton, VP of marketing says Cloudsync uses special technology, called LUCID (Logic Up, Consistent Information Down) which synchronizes actual application logic and data. In other words, rather than just update the database every time the data changes, Cloudsync updates events, for example a sale, by going back to the original application, such as SAP, and changing the data there.

In addition, Cloudscape also detailed a new product, called Cloudweb, which will be released in early fall. Colton said the aim of the software was to solve the problem of how to get the application out there in the first place. Using a browser, a remote user can simply click on a download button and the entire database, including any embedded application data, will be installed on the local device as an applet. In practical terms, in means a company can distribute application logic from a web site or portal to hundreds of remote and mobile users, be they employees, customers or partners in the supply chain. And users don’t have to maintain a live connection to the database to access the information. Once it’s downloaded, they can work off-line and then sync-up any changes later. Cloudscape 2.0 is priced at $895 for a single developer copy and $200 for a single deployment copy.