Abstract: A hosted relational database can be securely accessed by application developers, relieving the developer of the need to engage in server side development. A database programming API is accessible from a browser-based application that abstracts details of client/server HTTP communication with the database. This results in a reduction in software development because the developer's application does not require server-side programming or database installation and administration. There is a consummate reduction in hardware costs for the application developer, since those costs are borne by the hosted database provider. One or more physical database systems are segmented into virtual databases. The owner of a virtual database configures the data model through a web-based user interface. Parameterized queries and relationships between tables are also created using the web-based interface.