© 2008 Uppergem Limited

GEMDatabase is a Java Database Application designed to store a variety of information in a flexible, but structured, way. A GEMDatabase Entry can consist of Images, Text and Web Links, and each entry may be categorised in 16 different ways. 10 of these categories are preset and predefined within a database, while the remaining 6 may be specified as required, either during initial input of a database entry, or at a later date.

GEMDatabase makes use of two standard database types; Derby (also recognised as JavaDB) and mySQL. Both of these database engines are robust and reliable, and are well suited for Internet and Intranet communications. They work equally well in a local environment. At present (July 2008), versions of both are freely available from the manufacturers.

One advantage of Derby is that databases may be shipped and downloaded as part of an application as READ ONLY databases. At present, GEMDatabase makes use of Derby for most of it’s databases, while relying on mySQL for any ISP hosted databases, unless a Derby server is available.

If any preference is shown, it is towards Derby, as the database engine and utilities are written in Java, and the database plus required software has a relatively small footprint, particularly when compared to other commercially available database products.

GEMDBBrowser is one of several applications that supplement GEMDatabase. This application is a general purpose enquiry facility, which can also produce Web Pages from database entries.