What Is a Mobile Database?

A mobile database uses wireless technology to allow mobile computers to connect to its system. The database consists of a client and server that connect to each other over a wireless network. Due to the vulnerability of wireless network signals, a cache of activity is maintained to ensure that sensitive information can be recovered. A mobile database is used to provide remote access to information that authorized users may need to obtain on a moment's notice.

Mobile or cloud computing usually consists of three components. Within a wireless network, a mobile database will have one or more base stations. These stations are responsible for controlling the communication signals that need to be passed from one host to another. A base station receives and sends information and often comes in the form of some type of wireless router.

Hosts are responsible for handling the actual transactions that occur within a mobile database. They are sometimes referred to as "fixed," since hosts do not typically change locations within the network. In order to process database requests, hosts use servers or software applications in order to access the data that is needed.

A third factor in mobile databases is the mobile unit. These are the portable computers, phones and other devices that request information from the database. Rather than communicating directly with the database server, mobile units route their requests through the base stations.

One of the main benefits of a mobile database is that it can be accessed from several locations and with a variety of devices. While this also makes the information contained in its cache somewhat vulnerable, security software programs and provisions make it more than possible to put preventative measures into place. Full desktop PC's, laptops and mobile computing devices are able to connect to the database's information. For example, an authorized user may be able to access information from one computer and the pull up the same information later from a different location using a smart phone.

Service providers tout synchronization as the main advantage of a mobile database. This means that not only are a variety of users able to access requested data at once, but that the delivery process is seamless. There is very little support or maintenance needed with a mobile database. It is able to be integrated with a wide variety of servers, applications, and computer devices.

Many of the database's maintenance features are automated. Back-up and authorization processes tend to be built-in. Installation is also fairly simple and is mainly application or server driven.