Using Gen 8.6 Windows CSE with a remote database

Products

Gen

Issue/Introduction

Does the Gen 8.6 CSE database need to reside on the same Windows server as where the CSE software is installed or can a remote database be used?

Environment

Gen Windows Client/Server Encyclopedia (CSE)

Resolution

In the Gen 8.6 documentation under Client Server Encyclopedia Administration, after "Optimize Disk Usage" there is this note:
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Note:
While it is possible to configure the CSE environment such that the database is on a different physical machine, it is not a recommended configuration for performance reasons. The architecture of the normal execution of the CSE process is such that there are many individual messages that are passed between the CSE process and the database process. This leads to performance issues because any network latency between the two machines is multiplied by the number of requests made. If the current configuration is necessary, then care must be taken to ensure that the communications infrastructure between the two machines is as quick as possible.
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However, with improved modern-day network bandwidths and thus reduced network latency, using a remote database may still give good/adequate performance, especially if the database is residing on a dedicated VM that is tuned particularly for good database performance and that cannot be achieved on the VM where the CSE software is installed.
Due to environment-specific conditions, testing the CSE performance for both local and remote database options would be the recommendation.

Required steps for Windows CSE to access a remote Oracle Database

To use a remote Oracle database requires no change in the Windows CSE Configuration steps as it is identical to what is required for the 32-bit Windows CSE software to connect to any 64-bit Oracle database (local or remote) via the Oracle TNS Listener.
See Gen 8.6 doc. page Configure a CSE > Set Configuration Parameters and section "Encyclopedia Database Connection" (NOTE: both Encyclopedia and Coordination Database Connections need to use the same method).

Required steps for Windows CSE to access a remote SQL Server Database

For SQL Server the only difference is that the target data source name(s) (DSNs) defined on the CSE server need to point at the target database server.
See Gen 8.6 doc. page Install and Configure CSE > Prerequisites for CSE Configuration and section "Create Microsoft SQL Server CSE Database"