Database Software Choices

There are many choices available to you when installing database software for Icare to use.

Vendor Choices

You have a choice of two database software vendors:

• Microsoft SQL Server
• MySQL

Each vendor has free and paid editions to choose from. The free editions are suitable for most Icare needs. Paid editions can provide support and improved backup & maintenance systems.

You might use an older edition if it is already available on your server.

Microsoft has a special LocalDB edition for a standalone PC.

Location Choices

The database software and your data can be installed:

• on standalone PC along with the Icare software,
• on a PC that is accessed from other PCs in the same office,
• on a server PC,
• on a NAS box,
• hosted in the cloud.

Choice Tree

Only needed on a single PC and have Windows 7 or newer?

• Use Microsoft SQL Server's LocalDB edition.

You would like to access Icare from more than one computer within your office.

• Either Microsoft SQL Server or MySQL is appropriate.
• A dedicated server is not required, a normal PC can be the database server. Remember this PC needs to be on for Icare to work on any other computer.
• Either a server PC, normal PC or NAS box.

Do you need access from multiple locations?

• You can allow access into your office from the internet or host the Icare database in the cloud.
• You can allow access into your office to just the database through your firewall or use Remote Desktop software.