coDiagnostiX – common setup solutions

In the following sections, we will be looking at common solutions for different coDiagnostiX use cases, its typical applications, pros and cons.

There are three categories and its terms we must keep in mind first:

1. License

• single-user license
  • Only one instance of cDX can be open at once.
• multi-user license
  • Multiple instances of cDX can be open at once on different clients. The number depends on the seats bought.

2. Dongle Setup

• local dongle
  • The dongle is connected to the same PC the user wants to work with cDX.
• network dongle setup
  • The dongle is connected to a server and the license is shared over the local network to all clients. A network dongle installation is needed.

3. Database

• local cDX database
  • The database is located on the same PC cDX is installed as well.
• network shared cDX database
  • The database is located on a network drive or shared from one PC.
• SQL database
  • A SQL database server is needed, every cDX instance can connect to.

Solution 1: local dongle with a local database

This is the simplest but most restrictive solution. The database is local on the user’s PC, and the dongle must be directly connected to the same PC.

Database: Local

Users (SIM): One

Dongle: Local

Typical application: Planning by a single person (e.g. single dentist)

Solution 2: local dongle with a network database

This means that the dongle is still local, so it must be connected to the user’s client who is using cDX at the present time. The database, on the other hand, may be shared with multiple clients and is located on a network drive that is accessible from all clients. Only one user at a time can use cDX, like in solution 1, but it can be worked with the same database from all clients, at different times.

Database: Network drive (or network shared folder)

Users (SIM): One

Dongle: Local

Advantages: Improved data safety (easier backups) and data security (data protected in case of the loss of the client laptop)

Typical application: Planning activities by several users with separate time slots or a single user from several client computers (e.g. single surgeon using cDX from several rooms in the dental office)

Solution 3: network dongle with a network database

In this scenario, the database is located on a network drive, same as in solution 2, but the license is also shared across the network to all clients from a server with a cDX network dongle setup. Simultaneous work with the same database is still not possible, but the dongle does not have to be moved from client to client. Multiple users working on different databases at the same time is possible with a multi-user license.

Database: Network drive (or network shared folder)

Users (SIM): One

Dongle: Server with a network dongle setup

Advantages: Same as solution 2 - plus dongle can stay at one place

Typical application: Same as solution 2

Solution 4: network dongle with SQL database

This is the most advanced setup. Instead of a cDX database located either locally or on a network drive, a SQL server is used to store the cases instead. The license is shared across the network, same as in solution 3. A multi-user license is necessary to reasonably work with this solution.

Database: SQL

Users (SIM): Multiple (with multi-user license)

Dongle: Server with a network dongle setup

Advantages: Backup and user permission management integrated with SQL server; simultaneous access by several users to shared database possible

Typical application: Universities, large clinics, large laboratories