Installation Guide

Database engine requirements

On-premises only

Updated in 2025.3

The following database engines are supported.

Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2014
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Express
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2016
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Express
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2017
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2019
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2019 Express
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2022
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Express
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2025
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2025 Express

Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft SQL Server are supported.

To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend using Microsoft SQL Server with default settings.

Using Microsoft SQL Server Express

Alloy products can use Microsoft SQL Server Express as a SQL backend for hosting the database. However, it's essential to be aware that the Express edition has certain technical limitations that could make it less suitable for large-scale deployments. If you're considering using SQL Server Express for a bigger project, we recommend checking the Microsoft SQL Server documentation, such as Microsoft SQL Server Books Online, or other online resources for more information on these limitations.

If you do not have a SQL backend for hosing the production database, you may want to get started with Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express (Runtime Only), which is included with the Alloy Navigator Express installation package.

INFO: For details on Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Express edition, see https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/sql-server-editions-express.