A Metrics Management database is a required repository for the data that provides performance management information to users. The database stores:

The database supports structuring the data as Metrics Management objects, such as measures and briefing books.

The Metrics Management Standard and Smart clients support creating and administering databases. Metrics Manager Web does not support these tasks.

The first task in implementing a performance measurement system is to create a database on a server machine. Actuate recommends maintaining only one production database. Additional databases are useful to perform testing, such as for a different view structure, a new set of performance measures, updates to third-party software, or to prepare for an off-site presentation.

Metrics Management supports three database types: Standard, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle. The Standard database is royalty free and simple to maintain. A SQL Server or Oracle database is suitable for an organization with a dedicated database environment and database administrator.

Metrics Management controls access to the data in the database by user authentication. All database types support importing users into a Metrics Management database from your existing authentication scheme.

Metrics Management supports various storage periods for data and formula measures. For example, a data measure can track the percentage of projects that are completed for this quarter on budget and on time. Consider how frequently you collect data and which period type to enable before creating the database. Most organizations choose to store data in monthly, quarterly, and yearly periods.