Microsoft SQL Server deployment options

Administering Forcepoint Databases | Web, Data, and Email Solutions | v8.4.x

In deployments of over 500 users, the best practice is to host the reporting databases on a Standard or Enterprise installation of Microsoft SQL Server. SQL Server typically resides on a dedicated machine. It may host databases for third-party applications, in addition to the Forcepoint databases.

If SQL Server resides on a dedicated machine and there are multiple SQL instances installed, SQL Server Browser must be running.

During Forcepoint software installation, the setup program prompts for the IP address or hostname of the SQL Server machine. It is also possible to specify:

An instance name

The port to use for SQL Server communication

Whether or not to encrypt communication with SQL Server

The following databases are supported for all products:

SQL Server 2016 - Standard, Business Intelligence, and Enterprise editions

SQL Server 2014, 2014 SP1, 2014 SP2 - Standard, Business Intelligence, and Enterprise editions

SQL Server 2012 SP1 (or the latest service pack from Microsoft) - Standard, Business Intelligence, and Enterprise editions

SQL Server 2008 R2 SP2 (or the latest service pack from Microsoft) - All editions except Web and Compact; all service packs; not IA64

SQL Server 2008 R2 Express SP2 (installed by the Forcepoint Security Installer)

SQL Server 2008 SP3 (or the latest service pack from Microsoft) - All editions except Web, Express, and Compact; all service packs, 32- and 64-bit, but not IA64

Clustering is supported for all supported versions of SQL Server noted in the table above. See Can reporting databases be hosted in a SQL Server cluster?.

SQL Server Express on the management server

For smaller deployments (up to 500 users), the reporting databases can be installed on the Forcepoint management server. To do this, select the Install SQL Server Express on this machine option during installation.

SQL Server 2008 R2 Express is the only version of SQL Server that may reside on the management server.

SQL Server Express can run with Forcepoint software on the following Windows platforms:

Windows Server 2016

Windows Server 2012

Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1