vMedia-SQL Database Notes

For New SQL Installations

vMedia has been enhanced to accept the variables UseSQLServer and DisableDBF. These variables have been promoted into the [Global] section of the IMASTER.ini file. Specifying these values in the [Global] section will affect vMedia system-wide across all Machine IDs as long as a contravening value is not specified under the [StationX] section of the INI file.

vMedia and SQL: a Backend Connection

The SQL Server data access mechanism for vMedia is an integrated feature enhancement to the core software. Full backwards compatibility with existing DBF based tables is provided by default which provides flexibility in deploying the SQL server features to selected workstation groups. This allows for certification testing of the new features in a production system while providing data isolation for non-participating workstations.

vM-SQL Benefits

Blazingly fast query times in the Viewing Module (literally 10 to 20 fold performance improvement with large document sets)

Removal of the 2G maximum document limit inherent in the databases

Ability to implement index field data security by user

Ability to query and aggregate vMedia index data with other SQL data easily

Ability to store a larger number of index fields without impacting the maximum document quantity

Ability to tailor user licenses to match usage patterns and spread costs throughout the year

Improved data integrity protection by virtue of SQL transaction services and backup services

Future benefit: Ability to encapsulate the image data within the SQL security model

DB Naming Convention

If a database is SQL enabled, then "(SQL)" will appear at the end of the database name in the Select vMedia Database screen. Some vMedia databases can migrate to SQL while others can remain as DBF tables even after the Machine ID group has been enabled for SQL access.

Connection Verifications

In the Viewing or Scanning Module, "Using SQL Enabled Database:" will appear in the upper-left corner if the connection to SQL was successful.

Search Results Timer

In any search results screen, "SQL Server" will appear in the upper-left corner along with the estimated time it took to return the search results.