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 version 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 as a back-end database including increased storage, robustness, and scalability.

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