Mimer SQL
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software, Database management |
| Predecessor | Upright Database Technology AB |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Sweden |
| Products | Mimer SQL |
| Website | www |
Mimer SQL is a proprietary SQL-based relational database management system created by the Swedish firm Mimer Information Technology AB (previously known as Upright Database Technology AB). Initially developed as a research initiative at Uppsala University during the 1970s, it subsequently matured into a commercial offering.
This database system has been implemented in various industries, such as the UK National Health Service's Pulse blood transfusion program, manufacturing operations at Volvo Cars in Sweden, and automotive dealerships throughout Australia. It is distinguished by its application in time-sensitive critical systems and environments with limited resources, including mobile platforms.
History
The origins of Mimer SQL trace back to an ITC service center project aimed at assisting Uppsala University and other organizations in adopting the relational database concept introduced by Codd. The initial version, released around 1975 under the name RAPID, was developed using IBM assembler. To avoid trademark issues, it was renamed Mimer in 1977 and subsequently rewritten in Fortran to enable compatibility across various hardware architectures. Early iterations featured Mimer/QL, which supported the QUEL query languages.
With the emergence of SQL as the dominant query language during the 1980s, Mimer transitioned to SQL and adopted the name Mimer SQL. In 1984, ownership shifted to the newly established company Mimer Information Systems.
Versions
Mimer SQL is compatible with leading platforms such as Windows, MacOS, Linux, QNX, and OpenVMS (covering both Itanium and x86-64 architectures). Earlier releases also supported operating systems including Solaris, AIX, HP-UX, and Tru 64. The database engine is available for free download for development use.
The flagship Enterprise edition is a standards-compliant SQL server built upon the Mimer SQL Experience engine. It provides extensive configurability during compilation, allowing components to be added or omitted to produce customized solutions suitable for embedded or minimal footprint scenarios.
For environments with limited resources, Mimer SQL Mobile delivers a runtime environment without an integrated SQL compiler, targeting portable devices and bespoke hardware under the "Mobile Approach." Embedded variants support a wide range of hardware and operating systems, facilitating deployment on platforms such as Android and real-time operating systems like QNX.
Specialized embedded and automotive editions are maintenance-free and designed specifically for mission-critical domains including automotive manufacturing, process control automation, and telecommunications.
In May 2025, Mimer collaborated with UK-based Trustonic to introduce Mimer Trust, a solution utilizing ARM's TrustZone technology to securely store data within the TrustZone environment, thereby enhancing data protection in commercial applications.
Features
Mimer SQL offers support for numerous database interfaces: ODBC, JDBC, ADO.NET, Embedded SQL (supporting C/C++, Cobol, Fortran), Module SQL (compatible with C/C++, Cobol, Fortran, Pascal), along with native APIs such as Mimer SQL C API, Real-Time API, and Micro C API.
MimerPy serves as a Python interface for Mimer SQL.
The Mimer Provider Manager functions as an ADO.NET provider dispatcher that facilitates database-agnostic ADO.NET applications through plugin support for different underlying providers.
To handle concurrent transactions efficiently in multi-user settings, Mimer SQL primarily employs optimistic concurrency control (OCC).
The database server listens on port 1360 as registered with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).
Etymology
The term "Mimer" originates from Norse mythology, where Mimer served as the guardian of the well of wisdom (Mímisbrunnr). This connection reflects the database system’s function in overseeing and organizing knowledge.
See also
- Werner Schneider, the academic who spearheaded the creation of the relational database that evolved into Mimer SQL (article in Swedish)