Objectivity Inc and Dharma Systems Inc have announced a strategic licensing agreement to provide SQL access to the Objectivity/DB object database. Under license, Dharma will supply its SQL engine – the first time it has been used with an object database. Objectivity will combine Dharma’s SQL engine with support for ODBC, Microsoft’s Open Data Base Connectivity standard for database access, in a future database products. The idea is to create an environment in which objects and relational databases can co-exist. With the Dharma SQL technology, developers will use fourth or fifth generation language tools whatever that means – with SQL and ODBC interfaces to access object databases instead of using C++. Dharma’s SQL technology provides full ANSI SQL, which will support standard SQL calls and commands to extract appropriate information from objects managed by an Objectivity/DB. Objectivity will provide object extensions and additional support for object-oriented applications involving methods and relationships associated with objects. Dharma says it is the only vendor developing and marketing fully functional SQL interface technology for non-relational databases.
