PostgreSQL or MSSQL with ArcGIS for Server

[MartinSirkovsky1]

Hey.

This might be a quite general question, but I am wondering if there is any recommendation on which DBMS to use with ArcGIS for Server.

I am deciding on using PostgreSQL or MSSQL. If we do not think about the cost benefits of PostgreSQL, are there any performance or functionality advantages of using one over another?

Thank you

Martin

[JacobBoyle412]

Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL can both be used with great success, but certain tasks(backup, user management, integration with AD) to name a few are "easier" to do in SQL Server, if not can only be done in SQL Server.

It really comes down to you and your organization's comfort and familiarity with each.  

[MartinSirkovsky1]

Thank  you for you answer, Jacob.

Is integration with AD not possible with PostgreSQL? I believe it should be possible, but the setup may be more complicated with PostgreSql than with MSSQL.

[George_Thompson]

According to the help we support Database Authentication for ArcGIS Pro and ArcMap: 

Connect to PostgreSQL from ArcGIS—Help | ArcGIS Desktop - ArcMap

Connect to PostgreSQL from ArcGIS—Help | ArcGIS Desktop  - ArcGIS Pro

I am not sure I have seen anyone use AD or similar with Postgres.

Geodatabase‌ ArcGIS Enterprise‌ Enterprise GIS‌

[JacobBoyle412]

Yes, only PostgreSQL Database tier authentication is supported.

Further, using AD with PostgreSQL can be facilitated through direct LDAP connections to AD.  I do not think it's something we support natively. 

[MartinSirkovsky1 · Accepted solution]

Hi.

Thanks for the input. So to conclude, both of these DBMS are fully capable to be used with ArcGIS for Server, but if the integration with AD is an important requirement, than MSSQL would be recommended DMBS to use.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Martin.

[George_Thompson]

I would agree with that comment on needing SQL Server due to integration with AD.

[JoshuaBixby]

This is a MAJOR documentation fail on Esri's part.

Looking at Oracle User accounts and groups—Help | ArcGIS Desktop :

There are two types of authentication used with Oracle databases: operating system authentication and database authentication.

Looking at SQL Server User accounts and groups—Help | ArcGIS Desktop :

There are two types of authentication used with SQL Server databases: operating system authentication and database authentication.

Looking at DB2 User accounts and groups—Geodatabases in Db2 | ArcGIS Desktop :

There are two types of authentication used with Db2 databases: operating system authentication and database authentication.

Looking at Informix User accounts and groups—Help | ArcGIS Desktop :

There are two types of authentication used with Informix databases: operating system authentication and database authentication.

The corresponding statement for PostgreSQL simply doesn't exist.  It seems Esri wants to take credit when they support both, but they don't want to directly acknowledge when they don't support both.  Just like the four DBMS platforms above, there should be a clear statement for which types of authentication are supported so users are not left to guess and infer!

[JacobBoyle412]

Joshua, this is a great point, I'll reach out to the product documentation team for PostgreSQL.

[JoshuaBixby]

Thanks, it would be great to get the issue clarified in Esri's documentation.