Standard and Enterprise Databases

Synthesis-enabled applications offer the choice to store analysis data in a standard database (*.rsrp) or enterprise database (Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server).

Standard databases are easy to create and maintain without any special IT infrastructure or support but there are limitations to the amount of data they can store and the number of users who can access the database simultaneously.
An enterprise database requires implementation and support of Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server but it is a more robust platform that can store much more analysis information in the same database and supports access by many more simultaneous users. Synthesis-enabled applications are compatible with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or later and Oracle 10g or later (including the free Express editions of all of these).

Note: For each instance of the application running on your computer, you can open only one database at a time. If a database is currently open, it will be closed automatically when you create or open a different one.

Working with a database-driven, multi-user application may be a bit different from working with other types of software that you are familiar with (such as Microsoft Excel or earlier versions of BlockSim). For example:

No Save or Undo commands: Synthesis-enabled applications do not provide a Save command because your changes are saved whenever you make them in an analysis, navigate away from a cell in a worksheet or table or click OK to close a window. It is also important to note that, due to the multi-user, database-driven nature of the software, these applications do not offer the ability to undo changes that have been saved in the database. Whenever you initiate a significant change to the database that cannot be undone (e.g., deleting an analysis), you will be prompted to confirm that you want to proceed. Note that the File > Save As command, which is available when you are working with a standard database, exports a complete copy of the database file (*.rsrp) to the new filename and location that you specify.
Simultaneous access by multiple users: One of the most useful features of ReliaSoft's Synthesis-enabled applications is the ability to provide centralized data storage and allow multiple users to work cooperatively on analysis projects.
- Simultaneous Access by Multiple Users describes how the software handles situations when multiple users are logged in to the same database simultaneously.
- In addition, Manage Repository Security describes the features available for managing user account information and monitoring access to the database.
Ability for authorized users to manage database-wide settings: Synthesis-enabled applications offer some configurable settings that are applicable for all analyses in a particular database. This includes settings for categorizing and restricting the access to particular analysis projects and the ability to create and manage baselines (i.e., backups) for selected analysis projects. The Project Categories, Repository-Level vs. Project-Level Security and Project Baselines topics describe these features.
You must take steps to guard against data loss or corruption: As with any resource that contains a large amount of valuable information that would be difficult to re-create, it is essential to make sure that you are diligent about storing adequate backups and employing the necessary maintenance activities to keep the database operating smoothly. For more information, refer to Backups and Database Maintenance: Protecting Your Data. In addition, you can use the project baselines feature if you want to be able to easily roll back an entire analysis project to the state that it was in at a particular point in time (e.g., to a point just before you made a major revision to the analysis, such as moving from prototype to final design).

Note About Establishing a Database Server with Oracle or SQL Server

When using Oracle or SQL Server for data storage, most organizations will choose to establish a separate database server with the appropriate IT maintenance and support. It also is necessary to purchase the appropriate license package for the database platform. This is separate from the ReliaSoft license agreement and must be negotiated directly with Oracle or Microsoft.

As an alternative, you may choose to use the free versions of Oracle or SQL Server if the expected load for the database fits within the limited capabilities of the Express edition (as specified by Oracle/Microsoft). If you have a reasonably powerful computer and administrative rights to install and configure software, you can establish a functioning Enterprise database on your own. If your organization's needs grow beyond the capabilities of the Express edition, you can upgrade to a more robust version with the appropriate IT infrastructure and support.

Note: For power users and/or more robust performance, SQL Server Express or Oracle Express can be installed on the local computer, allowing the user to create enterprise repositories without the need for a database server.

Although it is important to note that ReliaSoft cannot provide full documentation and support for the third-party database platforms (Oracle and SQL Server) that provide back-end data storage for Synthesis-enabled applications, we do provide a limited number of resources as a convenience for users who wish to explore the possibilities of an enterprise database implementation without making a large investment of time and resources.

To access these resources, please visit:

SQL Server: http://Synthesis.ReliaSoft.com/sql_server.htm (includes instructions for how to configure SQL Server Express for use with Synthesis-enabled application)
Oracle: http://Synthesis.ReliaSoft.com/oracle.htm