What type of database does the pi system uses?

Question

What type of datbase does the PI system uses?

JamesDevine · Accepted Answer

Hi Anthony:   I suspect you are curious if the PI Server's data is a SQL database or a similar relational database. The PI Server's "database" is referred to as the PI Archive. The PI Archive "database" is a unique data storage tool that stores timestamps and values for process information. The PI "System" as it is often referred to at OSIsoft is the Asset Framework Database (AF). This is a database in the traditional sense stored and accessed using Microsoft SQL server.   The definition of terms helps. The PI Archive "database" is where PI Point data is stored. For example the bearing temperature of a pump over time will be stored as timestamps, and values at those specific times. The PI AF Database is a brilliant tool for building a hierarchy of "elements" representing process equipment, plant systems, and many other frameworks of capital equipment (assets).