Updating file geodatabase from sql server, or map service which directly accesses sql

[LeslieKryder]

Hi, I've got an initial ArcServer web application up and running. It needs to be updated daily and I'm trying to figure out how to streamline or automate the process.
Some of the data lives in file geodatabases (we do not have ArcSDE) and some in our SQL Server database.
Each time I update, I join the results of a SQL server view to a feature class in the file gdb. The result is imported into the gdb and used by the service.

I'm wondering about the best approach to automate this (if possible).
1) Is there a way to "connect" the SQL server database to the ArcServer service directly?
2) Is there a way to automatically update the GDB with the SQL data when it changes? (without rebuilding the entire project)?
3) Is there a way to create a service that serves up the SQL data to the web application?

Keep in mind that I'm trying to avoid writing lots of code; I want to use capabilities that are "configurable" rather than "Programmable".

4) Would upgrading to ArcSDE solve this problem elegantly?

Thanks for your responses,

LK

[AnonymousAnonymous]

Does anyone have an answer for these questions?

[TedCronin]

Hi, I've got an initial ArcServer web application up and running. It needs to be updated daily and I'm trying to figure out how to streamline or automate the process.
Some of the data lives in file geodatabases (we do not have ArcSDE) and some in our SQL Server database.
Each time I update, I join the results of a SQL server view to a feature class in the file gdb. The result is imported into the gdb and used by the service.

I'm wondering about the best approach to automate this (if possible).
1) Is there a way to "connect" the SQL server database to the ArcServer service directly?
2) Is there a way to automatically update the GDB with the SQL data when it changes? (without rebuilding the entire project)?
3) Is there a way to create a service that serves up the SQL data to the web application?

Keep in mind that I'm trying to avoid writing lots of code; I want to use capabilities that are "configurable" rather than "Programmable".

4) Would upgrading to ArcSDE solve this problem elegantly?

Thanks for your responses,

LK

What about the new Spatial Data Server?  I think you get this with an Advanced/Basic Server license.  This would allow you to serve out your data from SQL Server without using SDE using the Geometry type.  I would think you could use python for the database automation using pyODBC, or just go the SQlAlchemy route, and tie that back to a GDB.  1, and 3, could be solved with Spatial Data Server, so I would talk to Esri about licensing.  2 above could be handled with python.  If these all play out correctly then 4 would be unneded, but it would make your life easier.

You mentioned ArcServer, so is that the Advanced/Standard variety, because I am pretty sure Basic Server is included.  Basic Server is SDE.  if that is the case then you aleady have a license for ArcSDE.