Data Abstract works on Delphi Professional, without limitations or restrictions. Save money on your IDE, by not having to spring for the more expensive "Enterprise" or "Architect" editions.

Key Benefits

Access Virtually Any Database System – Transparently

Data Abstract comes with support for a wide range of database systems and data access component (DAC) suites, both out-of-the-box and provided by third parties. This includes support for "generic" data access components like dbGo, DBX (both of which ship with Delphi), the open source ZEOS library and AnyDAC, as well as more specialized access libraries such as IBX (also ships with Delphi), IBO, SDAC, ODAC, DBISAM, SQLite and many, many more.

A unique driver model abstracts all these different database technologies from your application's code, so all your code has to know about the database is the driver's name in the connection string. In contrast to all other technologies available for Delphi, no database-specific components need to be dropped. And no database-specific SQL queries need to be written – unless you want to.

And because all drivers ship with full source and are based on a very simple API, it is really easy to implement your own driver, should you find the need to access a more obscure database not supported by one of the existing drivers yet. We are also working closely with third parties and database vendors to add support for more and more databases and DAC suites, out of the box, so the number of supported options increases steadily.

A First Class Communication Layer

An important aspect of a multi-tier database architecture is, of course, the communication between client and server tiers, usually across the network.

Because it plays such a crucial role, and can be a deciding factor for a system's performance, communication is not an afterthought with Data Abstract, but a product in its own right: Data Abstract is built upon (and includes) our award-winning RemObjects SDK remoting framework – an entire product specifically designed to make clients and servers communicate seamlessly and efficiently.

And while Data Abstract cleanly encapsulates this so you almost don't have to care, it is comforting to know a reliable and time-proven technology connects your clients to your servers, and back.

Full Source, No Black Boxes

Data Abstract ships with full source for the entire library, compilable for Delphi (from version 7 to the latest) and Free Pascal for Win32, Win64 and Linux. Data Abstract does not depend on any "black boxes" or library code that ships as binary only.

This assures that developers retain the flexibility to review, debug and amend all aspects of their applications, and can have (if so desired) a complete understanding of what is going on behind the scenes, at all time.

Powerful Business Rules Scripting

Data Abstract for Delphi provides out-of-the-box support for creating Business Rules Scripting using JavaScript or our open source Pascal Script for Delphi scripting engine.

Client Business Rules can be configured on the server (usually stored inside the Schema) and dictate client behavior dynamically. This way, as business rules change, they can be adjusted in a single controlled location (the server), and client applications will update automatically, without need for redeployment.

Go Beyond "Just" Delphi

Even on its own, Data Abstract for Delphi already covers a wide range of platforms, with support for Linux and Win64 provided through FPC and Mac support promised for the next version of Delphi, XE2. And the JSON data streaming and our new OData support opens your servers to AJAX websites and other non-DA clients. But if you need to go the extra step, separate Data Abstract editions for .NET (and Mono) and Xcode allow you to target yet more options, while preserving full wire compatibility.

For example, you could extend your existing system of Delphi-based and rich Windows client with a Silverlight client for the web, a more graphical Windows client developed using WPF on .NET, or a native iOS client application that allows users to access their data from the iPhone or iPad.

And That's not All...

The above is only a brief glimpse at some of the unique features in Data Abstract. More information and a complete list of all features of Data Abstract can be found in our detailed feature overview. Also make sure to visit our extensive online wiki for documentation, articles, class references and discussion of the various aspects of the product.

Drivers

Database connectivity in Data Abstract for Delphi is built upon a flexible driver model that lets the libray talk to virtually any database system that a driver is available for. And DA/d comes with over 20 different drivers to choose from, supporting dozens of different databases out of the box, and many more with the help of special third party components available from database vendors.

And if you should ever need to talk to a database that we don't have a driver for yet, creating your own driver is very easy, especially if standard TDataSet based components are provided by the databse vendor.

The driver model is also what makes it so easy for Data Abstract to let you switch or migrate between various database types. Different than every other data access technology available for Delphi, Data Abstract does not rely on dropping myriads of database-specific components onto your form to hold all your data access smarts; instead, these details are contained in a Schema in database-independent format – and changing to a different driver can be as easy as changing a few letters in a connection string.

The range of Data Access Components (DACs) supported by Data Abstract for Delphi includes the following: