The ADX is a version of the ADS with extended capabilities for historical data archiving that expand the multi-user web access capabilities of the system. The ADX supports the relational database management system that uses a supported edition of Microsoft SQL Server software to store collected trend data, audit trail messages, and alarm and event messages with user annotations. This relational database also stores configuration information for site security, trend studies, and other features. The ADX supports the Metasys Advanced Reporting System, which has a web-based reporting interface and standard report sets. The users can review the alarm and trend configuration of their site, run summary and detail reports to monitor alarm and event information, view offline information, combine alarm and audit information in a single report, and aggregate trend data at a summary or detailed level.
If the ADX software with its accompanying SQL Server database software is installed on one computer, it is known as a Unified ADX. If the SQL Server software is located on a different computer, it is known as a Split ADX.
You can install the ADX in a split configuration with the ADX software/SMP UI/Metasys UI on one computer (the web/application server computer) and the historical trend, audit, and event data on another computer (the database server) running Microsoft SQL Server software. The System Configuration Tool (SCT) software, which is used to generate, back up, and restore the network database offline, is installed on a separate computer in split configuration. The Metasys Advanced Reporting System is also available in a split configuration, if the SQL Server database components are installed on the database server and the SQL Server Reporting Services are installed on the web/application server. In a split configuration, you can place your database server behind a firewall for an added layer of data protection.