In order to run Promis.e or Bentley Substation, you must have either SQL Server or Oracle. Bentley Raceway and Cable Management requires SQL Server. If you already have a compatible version of those programs, you do not need to install SQL Server during the installation of the Bentley software, but you will need to create the project database before being able to use the software
See the Readme file for the software or following articles:
Compatibility Chart - Promis.e V8i
Compatibility Chart - Bentley Substation V8i
Compatibility Chart - BRCM
Yes. SQL Server Express is adequate for a single user up to a few users and comes bundled with the Bentley software. Sites with more than a few users should consider a higher edition of SQL Server to avoid performance issues that may be caused by limitations of the Express edition of SQL Server.
Yes. This is ideal for single users.
When multiple users intend to work concurrently on the same projects, they connect to the same project database hosted by the same SQL Server which typically resides on a server machine. See also Network Installation Guide.
Promis.e and Bentley Substation use the .NET provider to connect to the SQL project database. ODBC is used when transferring data from the SQL database to an Access database (.MDB). BRCM uses ODBC to connect to SQL Server.
Installing SQL Server
Network Installation Guide
Creating and Updating the Project Database
Troubleshooting Project Database Connection Problems
Keywords: sequel, BRCM