Zen Server Engine Versus Workgroup Engine
There are two different levels of the Actian Zen database engine. What are the real differences between the Zen Workgroup Engine (WGE) and the Zen Server Engine?
The Short Answer
If you just need a quick comparison, then you are in the right section. Succinctly, the core code within the engines is the same, but the Zen Workgroup Engine is licensed for small workgroups (up to 5 concurrent users at most) and is priced considerably lower as a result. The Server Engine is for systems with 6 or more users, or those that need additional security or features of the Server Engine. The Cloud Server Engine is licensed not by users, but rather by data size, supporting an unlimited number of users, as long as the total data in use is limited.
The Long Answer
Additional security? Features? I thought the engines were the same? Indeed -- the two engines share the same CORE code, but they do have some minor differences that are highlighted here:
| Feature |
Workgroup |
Server |
Cloud Server |
| Maximum Simultaneous Users (User Count) Supported |
1 to 5 ONLY |
6 to 500+ |
Unlimited |
| User Count Increases Available |
1U, 2U (to 5U Max) |
6, 10, 20, and up |
N/A |
| Maximum Data Size Supported |
No Limit |
No Limit |
20GB, 100GB, 200GB, Unlimited |
| Data Size Increases Available |
N/A |
N/A |
10GB |
| Backup Agent |
Additional Cost |
Included FREE |
Included FREE |
| VSS Writer |
Not Available |
Included FREE |
Included FREE |
| Available 32-Bit Engine |
YES |
YES |
YES |
| Available 64-Bit Engine |
NO |
YES |
YES |
| Available Linux Engine (64-bit only) |
NO |
YES |
YES |
| Available Mac OSX Engine (64-bit only) |
NO |
YES |
YES |
| Supports 64-bit Applications |
YES (With 64-bit Client) |
YES |
YES |
| OS Security Enabled (Validates that all users have access to files) |
NO |
YES |
YES |
| Can Access Data on Remote Server or NAS (Though not recommended) |
YES |
NO |
NO |
| Default Memory Allocated for L1 Database Cache (Can be changed) |
10% of RAM or 64MB |
20% of Memory Space |
20% of Memory Space |
| Maximum Memory Space Supported on 32-bit OS |
2 GB |
2 GB |
2 GB |
| Maximum Memory Space Supported on 64-bit OS |
4 GB |
4 GB (32-bit Engine)
8 TB (64-bit Engine) |
4 GB (32-bit Engine)
8 TB (64-bit Engine) |
| License Allows SaaS/Multi-Tenant Usage |
NO |
NO |
YES |
| License Allows Web/Middleware Tier |
NO |
NO |
YES |
If you are trying to decide between the Workgroup and Server Engine for your primary server, then security may be an important attribute to consider, as well as the performance gains available on the 64-bit Server Engine. Remember that any user on the network can access data on the Workgroup Engine. With the Server Engine, users must authenticate to the server and.or domain before they can access files. For test servers, however, especially if it is running a very small data set, then the Workgroup Engine may fill all of your needs and save you a bundle, too!
If you have additional questions about the product, please contact us!
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