Which database server should I use?

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On initial installation, both the AyaNova program and the database are installed to the local hard drive. The stand-alone default installation uses an embedded Firebird database engine.

•	Firebird is powerful, yet lightweight, with minimal configuration and administration needs. It's easily scalable from single-user, single-database usage up to company-wide enterprise purposes.

AyaNova also has the ability to use AyaNova in a network environment

•	AyaNova can be configured for network use using the network Firebird Server(more robust than the stand-alone embedded Firebird), SQL Express and SQL Server. AyaNova is not compatible with MySQL

For ease of initial use while testing out the trial AyaNova, it is suggested to use the default installation so you can initially check out all AyaNova features without having to perform any additional configuration.

Once you have confirmed that AyaNova features meet your needs, and than wish to trial use in your actual network environment to confirm access and speed, perform the steps to either download and install the network Firebird database engine and configuration, or perform the steps to install and configure for use with SQL Express or SQL Server.

Speed and access are highest with SQL Express and SQL Server use, but the difference between SQL and network Firebird may be negligible for most AyaNova users due to the differences being points of a second.

Do note that once data has been converted from the embedded Firebird to the network Firebird or from Firebird to SQL Server, data can not be converted back.

The stand-alone default installation using the embedded Firebird database would be used by those with either of the following:

•	Only one instance of the AyaNova program will be run

•	Both the program and database are installed to the same computer

•	The embedded Firebird is installed by default. No additional installation or configuration is needed.

A networked AyaNova Firebird database would be used by those with the following:

•	The AyaNova database will be shared and accessed by one or more networked computers

•	And/or multiple instances of the AyaNova program will be run

•	The network Firebird engine is available for download via the link found on the AyaNova web site

•	Refer to the network Firebird installation and configuration steps.

A networked AyaNova SQL database would be used by those with the following:

•	The AyaNova database will be shared and accessed by one or more networked computers

•	And/or multiple instances of the AyaNova program will be run

•	A higher database performance is required due to the amount of entered data and number of users accessing

•	This includes SQL Server Express and SQL Server 2005 or higher with all Microsoft applicable service patches.

•	Refer to either the network SQL Express configuration steps or the network SQL Server configuration steps

We can not provide absolute benchmarks as many factors come into play determining whether the network Firebird meets your needs, or you should move to SQL Server.

In addition to the amount of data – there is also the type of data (i.e accessing workorder records will always take more access time than accessing the same number of client records), the hardware of the server hosting the database, hardware of the computer running the program, present demands on the server, number of user accessing, and network speed.

If in a network environment, it is suggested to initially use the network Firebird configuration because of its least footprint (in server resources it uses compared to SQL). If you are experiencing noticeable performance aspects and your server is not overloaded, obtain the free SQL Server Express from Microsoft if do not have the paid for SQL Server.