SQL Server FAQ

	Product(s):	Promis.e, Bentley Substation, Bentley Raceway and Cable Management
	Version(s):	through 08.11.13.140
	Environment:	N/A
	Area:	Database Platform Support
	Subarea:	N/A

Do I need to install SQL Server?

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

What versions of SQL Server are supported?

See the Readme file for the software or following articles:

Compatibility Chart - promis.e

Compatibility Chart - Bentley Substation

Compatibility Chart - BRCM

Can I use SQL Server Express?

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.

Can SQL Server be installed on the workstation?

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.

What provider does the software use to connect to SQL Server?

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.