SQL Server
PhraseExpress supports Microsoft SQL Server connections to share phrases with a client-/server architecture in professional/enterprise networks.
Benefits
- Phrase changes are immediately available to all users.
- SQL servers are designed to handle a large number of clients and large databases.
- Multiple users can edit the phrase database simultaneously. No need to wait until a user has finished editing.
- The client-/server architecture prevents write collisions and version conflicts.
- Clients load the phrase contents on demand in the moment of text insertion to minimize memory consumption on the local clients.
- The phrase database is centrally stored and can be included in your existing SQL backup system.
- License keys are centrally managed. No need to walk from computer to computer to enter license keys or change PhraseExpress configuration.
- You can define "master users" with extra credentials. Those have general access to all phrases and can centrally configure client program settings of all users.
- Each user can have a personal phrase folder to store their personal phrases.
- Also works over the internet if using a Amazon/Azure SQL cloud server (Azure ActiveDirectory is not supported, though).
Limitations
- Phrases are inserted with a small delay as the content is dynamically loaded from the SQL server over the network connection. Extra lag may be caused by accessign the SQL server over the internet. Workaround: Phrases can optionally be cached into memory after first use or on PhraseExpress launch. Alternatively, you can use a separate local phrase file for all timing-critical phrases, such as autotext replacements.
- The SQL database is not available if the SQL server connection is interrupted. However, you can cache the entire SQL phrase database on your device for use-on-the-road.
- PhraseExpress for iOS cannot access a SQL server due to Apple's App restrictions. Please use cloud sharing for Apple devices.
PhraseExpress is very easy-to-use with a SQL Server, but setup may require advanced IT skills. We kindly ask for your understanding, that installation support is not free-of-charge. If you are overwhelmed with SQL, consider using PhraseExpress with cloud sharing which is easy to setup.