ArcSDE: The Universal Spatial Server for ArcInfo

ArcSDE is an extension that supplies the same Spatial Database Engine (SDE) server as enterprise SDE, and the SDE for Coverages server that provides access to the file system databases.

ArcInfo is the tool of choice for building and maintaining intelligent spatial databases. These spatial data are stored in numerous file-based formats: coverages, map libraries, ArcStorm databases, and Esri shapefiles. The vast majority of today's spatial data are contained in one or more of these popular formats. Billions of dollars are spent worldwide annually to construct and maintain these ArcInfo databases. Leveraging these vast data holdings is a challenge.

Today, you need to provide access to all of your data. Your ArcInfo databases are increasingly integrated in corporate information systems. To provide open access to ArcInfo databases you need ArcSDE.

ArcSDE is a special release of Esri's SDE technology for ArcInfo users with an additional capability to serve existing data formats.* Its purpose is to integrate SDE client/server technology within ArcInfo. This solution brings the many benefits of SDE to all users of the world's leading professional GIS software system.

ArcSDE includes

• SDE for Coverages Server
  Serves all supported ArcInfo vector data types without the use of a DBMS
• SDE for DBMS Server
  Available for your choice of Oracle, Informix, Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase, or IBM DB2
• Five SDE Client Connects
  Simultaneous connects to SDE for Coverages and/or SDE for DBMS servers
• One Year Maintenance

Why ArcSDE?

• Serve ArcInfo data to any supported client without conversion or replication
• A smooth transition from file-based systems to management of spatial data in a DBMS
• Serve ArcInfo data across TCP/IP and heterogeneous networks with performance
• Open access via a standard, published application API to all GIS data managed by ArcInfo
• A unified interface for all existing Esri feature data sources-all SDE clients can access all supported data

*ArcInfo license required.