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About Surround SCM databases

Surround SCM data is stored in RDBMS-based databases. Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and PostgreSQL are supported. See RDBMS Support for information about supported platforms and versions.

The following data is stored in databases:

• Surround SCM Server—Each Surround SCM Server has a server database, which is a set of tables that store user, security group, workflow, custom field, filter, report, shadow folder, trigger, and Helix ALM integration connection information. Server options, the mail queue, and the server log are also stored in this database.
• Mainline branches—Each mainline branch has a database, which is a set of tables that store all file information.
• Helix ALM License Server—Each license server has a separate database, which stores all license server data. See the License Server help for information.

By default, the Surround SCM Server data and mainline branches are stored in the same RDBMS database. After installation, you can change the configuration if you want to use a different RDBMS type or move databases between servers. You can also move mainline branches to a separate database from the server database or store mainlines in multiple databases and point a single Surround SCM Server to them. Mainlines can only be associated with one Surround SCM Server.

You can leverage your existing database administration process and use standard database tools for tasks such as analysis, manipulation, and backups. All Surround SCM data is stored in the database except the server database connection information.

Note: All file data is stored in the RDBMS database as binary large objects (BLOBs). The RDBMS may allow you to control where BLOB data is stored and indexed. If you want more granular control over BLOBs, consult your DBA and RDBMS documentation.

Choosing an RDBMS database type

Determine which RDBMS you will use to store Surround SCM data before installing to help streamline the installation process. Keep the following in mind:

• Server database tables are installed in a single RDBMS database. PostgreSQL is the default database type. Surround SCM can install PostgreSQL and create the database tables when installing the Surround SCM Server for the first time, or you can manually install it. You can also host Surround SCM databases in Oracle or SQL Server (Windows only). Your DBA must manually install Oracle or SQL Server before installation. See Setting Up RDBMS Databases.
• If you choose to use PostgreSQL, decide if you want to install the PostgreSQL files and databases on the Surround SCM Server computer or a different computer. You can point the Surround SCM Server to access RDBMS servers on other computers.
• The database configuration you use depends on your installation and environment. At any time, you can convert the RDBMS type or location for the server or mainline database or distribute mainline databases across multiple RDBMS database instances. If you do not know how you want to configure the databases, use the default PostgreSQL installation and make configuration changes later.
• Review the operating system and database firewall settings on the RDBMS server to make sure the Surround SCM databases are secure. Some RDBMS servers must be configured to allow remote computers to access databases.