Frequently Asked Questions

Installation Requirements

Licensing

Database Operation

Installation Issues

Excel Functions

Documentation / Support

Answers

Installation Requirements

What are the system requirements for XLeratorDB?

XLeratorDB runs on any machine running SQL Server 2005 or later (compatibility level 90 or higher) in either 32 or 64 bit configurations.

Who can install XLeratorDB?

Only the database administrator can install XLeratorDB on SQL Server and select the specific database(s) that the functions will run in. The installation program (.msi file) is downloaded to and physically resides on the licensed server. However, DBA admin privileges are required to actually run the SQL Server installation (in either automated or manual mode) and choose the database(s) for installation.

Does XLeratorDB require a server name?

Yes. The server name is a critical component of XLeratorDB licensing and functionality. The name of the server where the target version of SQL Server resides is required at the time of purchase for download and installation.

Licensing

How does XLeratorDB licensing work?

Please see the XLeratorDB End User License Agreement (EULA) for the specific terms the product license. XLeratorDB is licensed per-installation of SQL Server. Our licenses are intended to parallel Microsoft’s SQL Server licenses; in general, where a separate SQL Server license is required, a separate XLeratorDB license is also required. Within this:

• At present there is no distinction between XLeratorDB licenses for Enterprise, Work Group and Standard editions of SQL Server.
• There is no restriction on the number of databases. XLeratorDB is licensed to a server. Because it uses the SQL CLR architecture, it must be installed for each database where you want to use it, but the license covers all databases on the licensed server.
• There is no restriction on the number of users. XLeratorDB is licensed to a server. All users with the appropriate authorities for those databases where XLeratorDB is installed can use the functions.
• Like SQL Server Express, XLeratorDB Express is licensed exclusively for academic and personal use at no charge, and works only in conjunction with SQL Server Express.
• XLeratorDB Developer licenses work only in conjunction with SQL Server Developer licenses.

What happens if my licensed server crashes and I need to replace it?

Simply give the replacement server the same name and re-install the software, using the same license key.

Can I transfer the licensed software from one database server to a new server?

No. Once the software has been installed and licensed to a database server name, it is permanently associated with that server name and cannot be reassigned. License exception error messages will be generated if the software is not installed in conjunction with a properly licensed server name.

What is the difference between the trial and the purchased versions of XLeratorDB?

The trial version is a fully functioning version of the program that expires 15 days from the date of download (not from installation). Unlike the paid version of the software, the trial versions may be run on any server.

Database Operation

Will XLeratorDB change the data in my database?

No. XLeratorDB installs with PERMISSION_SET=SAFE. SAFE mode, which is read-only, does not permit the creation of new data. Additionally, code executed by an assembly with SAFE permissions cannot access external system resources such as files, the network, the internet, environment variables, or the registry.

Who controls permissions and access to XLertorDB?

All permissions and access are controlled by the DBA.

Installation Issues

Where do I get the database Server Name?

Open SQL Server Management Studio on the licensed server, type:

SELECT @@servername

And then hit F5.

Where can I find my License Key?

Login to this web site with your user ID and go to the My Orders page.

How do I install XLeratorDB if my database server is behind a firewall?

If the target database server cannot access the internet directly, the XLeratorDB installation file (.msi file) may be downloaded to an intermediate computer (e.g. a laptop) and the file later transferred to the target database server. Importantly, however, regardless of whether any intermediate computer is involved, the name of the target database server must be identified at the time of purchase.

Excel Functions

How do XLeratorDB functions compare to EXCEL?

XLeratorDB functions, in most cases, have been designed and extensively tested to replicate the results you would get using EXCEL. Some adaptations have been made to accommodate the requirements of the database environment. XLeratorDB does not include every function and add-in available for EXCEL, but it does include several functions that are not available in EXCEL.

Do I need EXCEL to run XLeratorDB?

No. The XLeratorDB functions are independent of EXCEL.

Are these EXCEL functions in some kind of a wrapper?

No. We have written these functions from scratch and then run them millions of times against comparable functions in EXCEL to make sure that they worked. In some cases, they perform calculations that EXCEL does not. For example, in the ODDLPRICE and ODDLYIELD functions, XLeratorDB does not require that the settlement date be greater than the last interest date..

Documentation / Support

Where can I find the documentation?

All the documentation is available on our web site www.westclintech.com or www.xleratordb.com. Drop Down the PRODUCTS menu (at the top of every page) and expand the product menu you are interested in to navigate to that product's documentation.

What if I need more information?

You can contact us at support@westclintech.com or go to the Contact Us page.