McObject announced it has ported its Perst object-oriented, open source embedded database system to run on Windows RT, Microsoft’s specialized version of the Windows 8 operating system that runs on Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) chips. In addition to bringing Perst to a new generation of ARM-based tablets and other low-powered devices, the new support for Windows RT enables apps incorporating Perst to be distributed through Microsoft’s Windows Store, opening a new and potentially valuable digital distribution channel.
With its most recent consumer operating system upgrades, Microsoft offers Windows in three “flavors”: Windows 8 standard and professional editions that run on x86 hardware; and the ARM-compatible Windows RT, which is only provided pre-installed on devices.Windows 8 standard and professional support Microsoft’s new touch-oriented Metro graphical user interface as well as the familiar, full-featured Windows desktop. Windows RT apps use the Metro interface and offer a limited version of the traditional desktop. In order for an app to gain distribution via the Windows Store, it must support all three Windows 8 versions.
Effective immediately, the .NET edition of Perst includes an additional dynamic link library (DLL) that is compatible with Windows RT, and a new Visual Studio solution/project file for building the WinRT version of Perst. Using these new components, developers can create applications that run on Windows 8, Windows 8 Professional and Windows RT without any changes to the underlying code.
Perst has also added two Windows RT example applications: TestIndexMetro, which is a port of Perst’s standard performance benchmark; and TestLinqMetro, which demonstrates Perst’s SQL-like database “wrapper” and its LINQ interface.
“Perst’s fast performance and frugal use of hardware resources have driven its adoption in mobile Windowssolutions ranging from field-based medical apps to line-of-business client software, and make Perst a natural fit for the new generation of ARM-based Windows devices. Compatibility with the Windows Store opens a new distribution channel with Microsoft’s powerful backing. For these reasons, McObject expects an enthusiastic reception for Perst among mobile software developers who require powerful embedded database features,” said Chris Mureen, McObject chief operating officer.
Perst is available for free download at http://www.mcobject.com/perst_eval. The Perst for .NET distribution – which supports Windows 8 standard and professional editions, Windows RT and Windows Phone 8 – includes complete source code and documentation.
Perst is part of McObject’s family of powerful, small footprint embedded database software products. McObject’s eXtremeDB in-memory embedded database is used widely in devices including MP3 players, WiMAX base stations, digital TVs, telecom/network communications equipment and military/aerospace technology. Perst is available for both Java SE and Java ME; and for .NET Framework, including Silverlight, Windows Phone 8 and Windows RT support. CA’s Wily Technology credits Perst with delivering a shortened development cycle and a ten-fold performance improvement within its market-leading application performance management solutions (formerly CA Wily Introscope).
