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You have three choices for database server in a networked AyaNova configuration:
| • | Firebird Server 2.1.1 or newer |
| • | SQL Express 2005 or higher |
| • | SQL Server 2005 or higher |
Note that we provide a utility so that your data can be converted from Firebird to Microsoft SQL server (but not the other way around) so you can start with Firebird and later move to the Microsoft SQL server platform; we do not provide a utility to go back to Firebird from an MS SQL server platform.
In general, we recommend you start with the Firebird server and move up from there if performance is an issue.
Firebird pros
| • | Far less resource intensive than SQL Express or full Microsoft SQL server, can be run on older more limited hardware |
| • | Good for small to medium sized offices with a tight budget for both equipment and software |
| • | Long history going back many years to when it was originally a Borland product (InterBase) |
| • | Rock solid and used widely in corporate and other critical environments |
| • | Open source product if that is important to you |
| • | Easily converted to a Microsoft SQL server platform down the road using our free "ToMSSQL" utility if required |
| • | Paid for support is available from IBPhoenix. It is extremely unlikely you will need support, we provide all the information you require for use with AyaNova. |
Firebird cons
| • | Not as fast as Microsoft SQL on identical hardware under appropriate loads |
| • | If you will enter a large amount of data (i.e. have a large number of parts, clients, etc) will be much slower than SQL |
| • | If your computer(s) is 64bit, the optional add-on OLI is not compatible with Firebird. If your computer(s) is 64bit, you must be configured for use with SQL Express or Server. Note - this is only if 64bit and only if you also want to use the optional add-on OLI |
Our network Firebird installation and configuration guide will show you how to obtain and use Firebird with AyaNova.
Microsoft SQL Express 2005 or newer
Pros
| • | Less resource intensive than full Microsoft SQL Server |
| • | Appropriate for small offices with smaller databases |
| • | Can easily be up sized to full paid for SQL Server down the road |
Cons
| • | Consumes a lot more memory and resources than Firebird server, requires more powerful equipment |
| • | Unsupported by Microsoft |
| • | Limited to a single processor |
| • | Limited management tools compared to full Microsoft SQL Server |
Our network SQL Express configuration guide will show you how to obtain and use SQL Express with AyaNova.
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or newer (Paid for version)
Pros
| • | Unlimited scalability for large corporate and enterprise users |
| • | Good for multiple database situations |
| • | Excellent suite of management tools |
| • | Full support from Microsoft available |
Cons
| • | Requires modern high performance multi CPU hardware and a *lot* of memory to get the most out of it |
| • | Requires knowledgeable installation and configuration and some ongoing administration |
Our SQL Server configuration guide will show you how to use your existing SQL Server platform with AyaNova
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