SQL Express & Replication

[Neil_Cross]

On the Microsoft Product Matrix they say that SQL Express is supported as a subscriber in merge replication, indeed you can install the replication features along with Express.

I appreciate SQL Express isn't listed in the supported platforms on Autodesks system requirements for replication, is that because it's an old document...? Often those AKN pages become out of date and poorly maintained.  Or have Autodesk tested and deemed Express to not be suitable as a subscriber in a connected workgroup environment? Has anyone tried using SQL Express at a subscriber site?

I've got no intention to do this, I'm just writing a training course for an online e-training site and just want to get my facts right and to double check this before talking about it.

[ihayesjr · Accepted solution]

@Neil_Cross,

The documentation is not old.  When we developed replication as a feature with Vault, we decided that including SQL Express could lead to performance issues and wouldn't be able to handle the load Vault environments would put on it.  If Vault detects SQL Express, it will not allow you to configure replication.

[Neil_Cross]

Exactly what I needed to hear, cheers 

[matthewweake]

Is this true for both Multiple Site and Workgroup Environments?

I want to use Vault Pro on SQL Express for Plant 3D with 4 users over 3 sites.

[ihayesjr]

@matthewweake,

If you are configuring Vault replication, you cannot use SQL Express for Vault replication.

[matthewweake]

Can we use SQL Standard or Enterprise a requirement?

[ihayesjr]

Yes, please see the system requirements for the version you have.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/vault-products/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles...

[matthewweake]

It is a bit confusing when this article says to use Enterprise:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/vault-products/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/S...

Can you clarify the requirements for Vault Pro/Plant 3D with File Store Replication only?

[ihayesjr]

@matthewweake,

Vault has a different method for replicating its database then Plant 3D. Plant 3D has a separate database with different replication methods and requirements.  I have given you the requirements for Vault. The article you linked, which doesn't work, is most likely talking about the Plant 3D requirements, not Vaults.

[matthewweake]

The link had a space on the end stopping it from working!

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/vault-products/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/S...

Looks like I will have to ask this question in the Plant forums.

Thank you for your help.