Currently when you try to create a gedoatabase conenction in ArcCatalog 10.1 you only have the option to direct-connection with multiple diferent DBMS systems (DB2,Sql Server, Oracle,..etc). It will be more effective if the end-user will have another option in the drop down list with "application server" option. especially, if the current infrstructure being used is a 3-tier architecutre. This will be easier in work and administration than using tooleset
Create ArcSDE Connection File (Data Management)http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//0017000000pt000000
