Abacus Fortress Database Server

"This really turns AbacusLaw into an enterprise package. The granularity in configuration is outstanding." Rob Osborne

Key Technical Attributes

There are three types of database systems: Enterprise, embedded and desktop

Enterprise database systems

• Can support thousands of concurrent users and terabytes of data
• Can handle complex environments of multiple server computers and an array of disk drives
• Require dedicated staff
• Need constant tuning
• Examples are Oracle and SQL Server

Embedded systems

• Are self-tuning
• Are self-maintaining
• Require no dedicated support staff
• Can support up to 1,000 concurrent users and hundreds of gigabytes of data
• Abacus Fortress Advantage Database Server is an example

Desktop systems

• Never have to write to a database in a client/server environment
• Client/server configurations are intended to prevent the PC from damaging the database
• Can support a few concurrent users and a few hundred megabytes of data
• Microsoft Access is an example

Lock Escalation

• SQL Server may escalate record level locks to page or table level locks. This can reduce concurrent access by other users.
• Abacus Fortress Advantage Database Server Software does its locking at the record level. This ensures maximum concurrency and no administration.

Administration

• Microsoft recommends database administrators be certified. Costs average $7,900 for classroom training, plus exam fees.
• Abacus Fortress Advantage Database Server Software does not require a highly trained administrator, since it is self-tuning and requires no maintenance.

Deployment

• SQL Server requires 200 megabytes of disk space for itself.
• Abacus Fortress Advantage Database Server Software needs only 4 megabytes of disk space.