Mobile Databases: Storing and Syncing Data on Mobile Devices
Mobile is a term that defines something that can or cannot be moved. We must be familiar with the term mobile device, which means gadgets that can be used on the go. The most famous examples of mobile devices are smartphones and laptops. As time passes, the demand for mobile devices keeps increasing since more people work on the go, such as having a meeting in a café or working while on vacation without having to be in an office. With this, the mobile database is created to support these on-the-go workers. A mobile database can be described as a database that mobile devices can access through a wireless network. A wireless network is a computer network that utilizes radio frequency to connect to the network without being restricted by cables.
With mobile databases, on-the-go workers can access crucial data from various locations without attending to the office, preventing important transactions from being missed. Through mobile databases, clients can exchange data with other clients or the central database server from a long distance. To avoid failure in storing data due to connection failure, the data is stored in a cache (temporary storage located within the system/website/application) and can be retrieved later. Examples of mobile database applications include salespersons updating the sales record anywhere and doctors accessing patients’ data without having to be in the hospital.
While mobile databases offer various benefits, they also have some drawbacks, such as the security of the database, which could be more secure and accessible to make it theft-proof. Additionally, there is limited wireless bandwidth, which is the capacity to transmit data. The lower the bandwidth, the slower the speed at which data is transmitted.
In summary, mobile databases enhance remote work efficiency by enabling on-the-go workers to exchange data with others or the database server through the Internet. However, there are also challenges in the application of mobile databases, such as security concerns and limited wireless bandwidth. Despite these challenges, it is evident that mobile databases are beneficial for on-the-go workers.
References
- Mobile databases in DBMS. (n.d.)
https://www.javatpoint.com/mobile-databases-in-dbms - What Is a Wireless Network? Types of Wireless Network. (n.d.) Fortinet.
https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/wireless-network - Mobile Database. (n.d.). GeeksForGeeks.
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/mobile-database/ - Alizanovic, V. (2022, February 21). Pengertian Cache, Manfaat & Cara Menghapusnya. Niagahoster.
https://www.niagahoster.co.id/blog/cache-adalah/#Apa_Itu_Cache