MetaMatrix, the leader in data service management systems, announced a new product, MetaMatrix Query, built for Java application developers. This is an embeddable Java distributed query component that streamlines development and maintenance of Java applications that use data from two or more relational databases. When embedded in an application, the MetaMatrix Query data service operates as a single JDBC driver that facilitates access to data from multiple, distributed relational databases, federating data from these sources and optimizing distributed queries and, by using it, Java developers can reduce development and maintenance time and improve the performance of their applications.

MetaMatrix Query provides a very productive way for Java developers to access data from diverse relational sources and to federate that data for integration. Compared with traditional methods of custom coding data access and integration logic within the application, MetaMatrix Query simplifies development and maintenance by configuring data access and integration in a single, isolated component. Rather than having to write custom code to connect to several individual databases, extract the data and then integrate the data within the application, Java developers can embed in their applications a single data service component that handles interactions with all relevant relational databases, including responding to a SQL query that spans multiple sources.

Developers import metadata for relevant tables from the various databases, assembling a single data service. This data service is a single JDBC driver through which applications can submit SQL, either retrieving data from individual tables or performing join or union operations to integrate the data.

MetaMatrix Query incorporates a rule-based and cost-based query optimization engine to optimize the performance of data retrievals. Leveraging proven, award-winning optimization technology from MetaMatrix' flagship products, MetaMatrix Query transforms a single SQL query into multiple queries distributed among the various relational data sources, making rule-based and cost-based decisions about where and how to perform processing.

Developers have less code to write and maintain, can set up data access and federation much more easily and can be assured of consistent, enterprise-class performance for their applications. MetaMatrix Query is deployed as a Java component in the developer's preferred execution environment. In addition to stand-alone Java applications, a variety of application server environments are supported including BEA WebLogic, IBM WebSphere, and JBoss. Data sources supported include Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase, IBM DB2, and MySQL.

"MetaMatrix has historically emphasized the benefits of its technology for enterprise-level projects and architects," said Rob Cardwell, CTO, MetaMatrix. "With MetaMatrix Query our innovative technology can reach the Java application developer, who stands to benefit significantly from being able to streamline access to relational data, federate data from heterogeneous sources, encapsulate data interactions in a single data service, and deliver enterprise-class performance."