The choice of database for Viriato depends on the number of users and amount of data. For stand-alone workstations and small work groups, Viriato uses a standard MS Access database. This provides good performance, flexibility and simple administration.

For larger work groups with numerous concurrent users and large data sets, it is possible to use Viriato with an Oracle or SQL Server database. These databases offer better performance, security and availability than MS Access and provide administrators with data management tools.

The Oracle/SQL solution also allows users to download data to mobile clients for analysis without connection to the main database, thus providing a very high level of flexibility.

In terms of data security, the Oracle/SQL database allows administrators to use a four-level authorization concept for the access to the different program areas and functions. Owners can specify what level of access other users have to their data by assigning specific rights of access to them. The combination of an Oracle/SQL database and user rights makes it possible to provide a specific assignment of tasks to the individual users thus making Viriato very client oriented.

Database Recommendations:

MS Access

• Recommended for stand-alone installations and small work groups;
• Flexible, simple administration.
  

Oracle/SQL

• Recommended for multi-user work groups;
• Provides high level of data security and performance;
• WAN compatible;
• Flexibility for local work on mobile clients under MS Access using data extract and synchronization functions;

User concept

• 4-level authorization for Viriato functions (administrator, super-user, user, guest),
  
• Timetable database owner provides authorizations for use (write, read, no access).