BIRT iHub stores metadata containing system, cluster, and Encyclopedia volume configuration information in a database. In the default installation, BIRT iHub uses the open-source, PostgreSQL RDBMS. iHub also supports using other RDBMS, such as Oracle or a pre-existing PostgreSQL instance.

After installation of the default system, the system administrator uses System Console to switch to an alternative RDBMS. The database administrator must pre-configure the database by running SQL Data Definition Language (DDL) to install the iHub database and the cluster and Encyclopedia volume schemas.

The database that contains BIRT iHub system, cluster, and Encyclopedia volume metadata is a critical component of BIRT iHub System. To guard against data loss, the database administrator must back up the schema using the tools and resources of the third-party RDBMS.

For information about the recommended procedures to back up BIRT iHub cluster and Encyclopedia volume schemas, refer to BIRT iHub System Administration Guide.