Frequently Asked Questions

How does SQL Database for RangerMSP licensing work?
The SQL Database for RangerMSP is licensed according to the number of concurrent open database connections. This means the number of PCs, servers and Terminal Services sessions that access and have an open connection to the RangerMSP database simultaneously.

This is not to be confused with Active Employees licenses which determine the number you employees you manage in your RangerMSP system. SQL concurrent database connection licenses does not replace the need for Active Employee licenses for RangerMSP software.

Each PC, server or terminal services session currently running the RangerMSP client application or access the RangerMSP database using any other program utilizes one concurrent SQL database connection license.

If your system uses RangerMSP Web Interface (for customers and/or employees), RangerMSP Alerts Server, or RangerMSP Email Connector, you should keep in mind that they utilize a total of one additional concurrent SQL database connection license. Just one SQL connection license is needed for all of these modules, no matter how many modules are in use or how many employees or clients connect via the RangerMSP Web Interface.

What is the difference between RangerMSP licensing and SQL Database for RangerMSP licensing?
The RangerMSP system is licensed and priced according to the number of Active Employees managed in the system, regardless of the number of network PCs on which the RangerMSP Client is installed. The price only increases when it is necessary to purchase additional Active Employee licenses (i.e. manage additional employees in your RangerMSP system). This licensing scheme does not change when using SQL and SQL licenses do not replace the need for Active Employee licenses for RangerMSP.

SQL Database for RangerMSP is an optional product that is licensed and priced according to the number of concurrent users, meaning the number of users who access the SQL database server at the same time.

When using SQL you can still install RangerMSP Client on as many PCs on your network as needed, but the number of PCs, Servers or Terminal Services sessions who can use RangerMSP simultaneously is limited to the number of SQL concurrent-connection licenses you've purchased.
SQL Database for RangerMSP can be purchased initially with licenses for 5, 10, or 15 concurrent connections. To customize you system for a larger number of connections (up to 250), you can purchase additional 5-SQL-connection packages.

Purchasing Examples
You currently manage 15 employees in your RangerMSP system and have purchased 15 Active Employee licenses.

When you wish to start using SQL, you should first decide how many users will need to access the system at the same time (i.e. how many PCs, servers or terminal services sessions will run programs the access the RangerMSP database simultaneously).

You may find that you only need to purchase the SQL Database for RangerMSP with licenses for 5 concurrent connections if no more than 5 PCs, servers or terminal services sessions will be running RangerMSP client (or other programs you write to access RangerMSP database) on your local network at the same time. Even if you have 15 employee licenses, you may still need only 5 SQL licenses, since many of your employees might not sign on at the same time.

If you determine that up to 8 users will need to use RangerMSP client concurrently, then you will need to purchase the SQL Database for RangerMSP for 10 concurrent connections. (SQL licenses are sold only in increments of 5.)

If 5 users will need to use RangerMSP client simultaneously, but you also use extra server-side modules (RangerMSP Web Interface, RangerMSP Alerts Server, RangerMSP Email Connector or Continuum/GFI MAX integration), then you will need to get a SQL with licenses for 10 concurrent connections, since the extra server-side modules require an additional SQL connection license. (SQL licenses are sold only in increments of 5.)

I already have the SQL Database for RangerMSP - can I add more concurrent connections?
Yes. Regardless of how many concurrent connections you already have for your SQL Database for RangerMSP, you can always increase this number.
For this you should simply purchase the 'Add 5 Concurrent SQL Connections' item (listed above). To add 10 concurrent connections, buy 2 items; to add 15 concurrent connections, buy 3, etc. The quantity of items can be set once one item is added to your cart.

I only see options to buy the initial SQL system with 5, 10, or 15 concurrent connections. I need 25. What should I do?
You can purchase as many concurrent-connection licenses as you need. To initially set up a SQL system for 25 connections, purchase the Value Pack of the SQL Database for RangerMSP including 15 concurrent-connection licenses. Then purchase two more packages of licenses for 5 additional connections, getting you 10 additional licenses. You will now have a total of 25 concurrent-connection licenses.

How can I determine whether if I need SQL?
SQL is required when:
1. Your LAN is growing, with an increasing number of concurrent users and a higher database-transaction volume.
2. You want to use remote technologies such as Terminal Services to open a session on your server for remote users.
3. You want to use the most robust, powerful, fast, and reliable option for your RangerMSP system.
4. You want to automate backup process and take live backups of your data.
5. You want to speed up RangerMSP and make it more robust.

Does SQL provide additional features to users?
No. SQL is a technology-oriented product. Although SQL enhances RangerMSP's functionality for larger networks with many concurrent users and a high database-transaction volume and grants the license to use RangerMSP remotely, the feature set of the RangerMSP system remains the same.

Does SQL Database for RangerMSP use Microsoft SQL Server?
No. SQL Database for RangerMSP uses one of Sybase's database server products, Advantage, as the backend. This helps us achieve high performance, a bulletproof database and a high level of data integrity. It is also easy to install and requires a minimum of ongoing administration.
SQL Database for RangerMSP can safely be installed and used on the same server where Microsoft SQL Server is installed, though RangerMSP doesn't require Microsoft SQL Server and does not use it.

Will I ever need to upgrade the SQL Database for RangerMSP?
Like many other commercial products, you may be required to upgrade when a new major version is released. This will most likely be when the backend database server we use, Sybase's Advantage, releases a new major version, which usually occurs every couple of years.

Does the RangerMSP Coverage Plan include free SQL updates?
The SQL Database for RangerMSP is an additional product that includes third-party licenses and therefore only minor SQL updates are included, while major version upgrades are not. SQL major version upgrades may be released once every several years and are offered for an attractive price which is considerably lower than that of a new SQL license.