[sims] Multi School SIMS archive ideas?

[Shaun_Dark_Lord]

Hi All

 

We've recently migrated ~12 schools from SIMS to Bromcom. The migration process didn't include everything (to avoid bloating Bromcom with 20 years worth of data).

 

We need to keep SIMS around for HR and Freedom of Information requests. We're considering moving all the databases to one central site.

 

Has anyone done anything similar, and if so, what approach did you take, and where there any gotchas?

 

Right now, I'm thinking of either;

• One VM per SIMS instance.
  
• All SIMS databases on the one server/SQL instance, with some clever way of switching between connect.ini files.
  

 

Any suggestions would be very welcome!

 

Thanks

[Banjo]

I'd use one VM for the lot and you can use a multi connect.ini to connect to each one from a drop down list. If you are penny pinching you can use SQL Express and Win 10 rather than spending money on enterprise licenses.

[supportman]

I'd just export the data needed to some excel reports and be done with Sims...

[DrWatcher]

The second option could be made easier by instead making a "Multi-"Connect.ini whereby you list the databases, then when you load SIMS, it should just allow you to choose which DB you're logging into from a dropdown. You can even set friendly names as well.

 

I would expect the capita* service desk to be able to help you with the connect.ini if you have contract with them. If wanted i can try and give you an example, i just don't have it to hand right now