Will I need a Microsoft® Access license on every machine I install Catalyst?
If you install the Access Runtime, you will not need a licensed copy of Microsoft® Access on each machine. The Access Runtime is available for free download from the Catalyst evaluation download page. If you plan to modify Catalyst, you will need the Full Edition of Catalyst and at least one licensed copy of Microsoft Access.

Which back-end database option should I use - Microsoft Access or SQL Server?
Catalyst Manufacturing® can be used with either a Microsoft Access® or SQL Server® back-end database. A Microsoft Access® database is typically adequate for smaller companies and has advantages in terms of cost and ease of use. As the number of users and data storage requirements increase, however, SQL Server® provides several advantages including increased storage, robustness, and scalability.

What is the difference between Basic and Full Editions?
The core functionality is the same in both the Basic and Full Editions. In general, the front-end database in the Full Edition includes the source code and allows customization of the queries, reports, forms, macros and modules. The front-end database in the Basic Edition does not include the source code and cannot be modified. In addition, the Basic Edition is not available with the SQL Server® back-end database.

How do I restrict user access to menus, forms, and reports?
You can establish Object-Level Security in Catalyst to setup permission levels for selected forms, reports, and menu options at the user group level. Combined with user name and group accounts, object-level security provides a means to limit access to program functionality and control what users can view or change down to the field level.