DataSnap
Encyclopedia
DataSnap is a DCOM
-based software technology that enables RAD
creation of multi-tier database
applications. DataSnap components approach allows Embarcadero
software development tools such as Delphi or C++ Builder
to create Data Broker/Client applications with TCP/IP, DCOM
, HTTP
or even SOAP
transport protocols. The TCP and HTTP transport are implemented using respectively a server side service and an ISAPI dll that act as proxies for the DCOM server.
MIDAS is the former name for this technology, that first release appeared in Delphi version 3. The name was changed to DataSnap in version 6.
In Delphi 2009 important modifications have been made to DataSnap. A new architecture not based on DCOM has been introduced (the old DCOM based architecture is still available, but the two are not compatible). The new architecture is implemented using the Indy TCP framework which can be used with HTTPS and SSL. Also there is a new integration between DataSnap and dbExpress. Compared to the previous DCOM implementation, the new one lacks several features like strong authentication
(the HTTPS implementation allows only for server authentication), authorization
, data integrity
and encryption
, which are built-in in the MS-RPC and DCOM layers used by the first Datasnap, and are not yet implemented in the new architecture.
Delphi 2010 further enhanced DataSnap. REST
support is now also provided.
Distributed component object model
Distributed Component Object Model is a proprietary Microsoft technology for communication among software components distributed across networked computers. DCOM, which originally was called "Network OLE", extends Microsoft's COM, and provides the communication substrate under Microsoft's COM+...
-based software technology that enables RAD
RAD
Rad may mean:* Rad , a villainous character in AC Comics's "Femforce"* Rad , a 1986 release about a young BMX rider* Rad , several fictional characters in the Transformers toy line...
creation of multi-tier database
Database
A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality , in a way that supports processes requiring this information...
applications. DataSnap components approach allows Embarcadero
Embarcadero Technologies
Embarcadero Technologies is an American computer software company that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services related to software through its various dynamic product divisions...
software development tools such as Delphi or C++ Builder
C++ Builder
C++Builder is a rapid application development environment, developed by Borland and owned by Embarcadero Technologies, for writing programs in the C++ programming language. C++Builder combines the Visual Component Library and IDE written in Delphi with a C++ compiler...
to create Data Broker/Client applications with TCP/IP, DCOM
Distributed component object model
Distributed Component Object Model is a proprietary Microsoft technology for communication among software components distributed across networked computers. DCOM, which originally was called "Network OLE", extends Microsoft's COM, and provides the communication substrate under Microsoft's COM+...
, HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
The Hypertext Transfer Protocol is a networking protocol for distributed, collaborative, hypermedia information systems. HTTP is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web....
or even SOAP
SOAP
SOAP, originally defined as Simple Object Access Protocol, is a protocol specification for exchanging structured information in the implementation of Web Services in computer networks...
transport protocols. The TCP and HTTP transport are implemented using respectively a server side service and an ISAPI dll that act as proxies for the DCOM server.
MIDAS is the former name for this technology, that first release appeared in Delphi version 3. The name was changed to DataSnap in version 6.
In Delphi 2009 important modifications have been made to DataSnap. A new architecture not based on DCOM has been introduced (the old DCOM based architecture is still available, but the two are not compatible). The new architecture is implemented using the Indy TCP framework which can be used with HTTPS and SSL. Also there is a new integration between DataSnap and dbExpress. Compared to the previous DCOM implementation, the new one lacks several features like strong authentication
Authentication
Authentication is the act of confirming the truth of an attribute of a datum or entity...
(the HTTPS implementation allows only for server authentication), authorization
Authorization
Authorization is the function of specifying access rights to resources, which is related to information security and computer security in general and to access control in particular. More formally, "to authorize" is to define access policy...
, data integrity
Data integrity
Data Integrity in its broadest meaning refers to the trustworthiness of system resources over their entire life cycle. In more analytic terms, it is "the representational faithfulness of information to the true state of the object that the information represents, where representational faithfulness...
and encryption
Encryption
In cryptography, encryption is the process of transforming information using an algorithm to make it unreadable to anyone except those possessing special knowledge, usually referred to as a key. The result of the process is encrypted information...
, which are built-in in the MS-RPC and DCOM layers used by the first Datasnap, and are not yet implemented in the new architecture.
Delphi 2010 further enhanced DataSnap. REST
Rest
Rest may refer to:* Leisure* Human relaxation* SleepRest may also refer to:* Rest , a pause in a piece of music* Rest , the relation between two observers* Rest , a 2008 album by Gregor Samsa...
support is now also provided.