Matisse
Matisse is a self-hosted database that combines object storage, XML, and SQL for developers and database administrators building applications and services.
What Matisse is
Matisse is a self-hosted database that combines object storage, XML, and SQL for developers and database administrators building applications and services. Its object model supports persistence, inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism, unique identifiers, and links between objects. ANSI SQL support and ODBC and JDBC connections provide access for reporting and analysis tools. The product lists a broad range of programming languages, including Java, C++, C#, Python, PHP, and SQL, along with integrations such as Visual Studio .NET, NetBeans, and Rational Rose. Schema changes can add or remove classes and properties while the database remains online. Matisse describes automatic disk mirroring and database replication for availability and fault tolerance, and says it can run with minimal administration and without a dedicated DBA. Data transformation tools are available through graphical tools, command-line utilities, and programming interfaces. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. A limited-feature developer trial is free; Matisse Lite costs $245 once for one user, while Standard Edition costs $1,570 once for two users.
Good
- Supports object persistence and inheritance
- Schema changes can happen while online
- Automatic mirroring and replication are described
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows
Watch out
- Free developer trial has limited features
- Matisse Lite is a one-user embedded version
- Standard Edition deployment license costs $1,570 once
Who it suits
Matisse is intended for object developers and database administrators building scalable applications and services. Its listed industry focus includes healthcare, life sciences, financial services, defense, and manufacturing.
Verdict
Matisse brings object storage, XML, and SQL together with schema evolution and multiple access options. Its free trial has limited features, and the listed paid licenses are one-time purchases.
Plans and prices
From Matisse's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Developer trial version | Free | Limited features |
| Matisse Lite | $245, paid once | 1 user · Embedded version |
| Matisse DBMS Standard Edition | $1,570, paid once | 2 users · Deployment license |
The facts
Each one read from Matisse's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Administration
- Matisse says it was designed to require no dedicated DBA and only minimal administration once running.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Availability
- Matisse describes automatic disk mirroring and database replication to support fault tolerance and availability.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Data transformation
- Its data transformation services provide graphical tools, command-line utilities, and programming interfaces for extracting, transforming, and consolidating data.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The site lists Visual Studio .NET, JBuilder, NetBeans, Forte, Rational Rose, and ODBC, JDBC, and ADO.NET connectivity.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- Matisse is designed for object developers and database administrators building scalable applications and services.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The product lists support for SQL, Java, C++, VB.NET, C#, Perl, Python, PHP, Eiffel, C, ODL, and DDL.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Object storage
- The database supports object persistence, inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism, unique object identifiers, and bidirectional object links.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- Matisse combines native support for objects, XML, and SQL in a single database.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Schema changes
- Dynamic schema evolution lets users add or remove classes and properties while the database is online.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Security
- The Matisse server administration guide describes an access-control setting that restricts database access to the operating-system user who started it unless that user creates additional users.checked 11 Oct 2026
- SQL access
- Matisse supports ANSI SQL and provides ODBC and JDBC connectivity for reporting and analysis tools.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Matisse offers training at its offices or on-site, and directs developers to its Developers section for software, documentation, and FAQs.checked 11 Oct 2026
The company
- Company focus
- Matisse says its database technology serves real-time application and data-management needs in healthcare, life sciences, financial services, defense, and manufacturing.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1990checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Burlingame, California, United Stateschecked 28 Sep 2026
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