All databases are not created equal. Even state-of-the-art platforms grow old and are replaced by something newer and more powerful. The temptation is to stay with something familiar and comfortable rather than to switch to something new that takes a little getting used to even if it provides lots of advantages in the end. But sticking with old ways often isn’t the best idea.

Database Differences

Sage HRMS Payroll and Sage Abra Suite run on different databases. Understanding what sets them apart is important.

Abra Suite was introduced in the 1980’s and is built on Microsoft Visual FoxPro, a flat-file database. As you probably know, Microsoft ended their extended support for Visual FoxPro in 2015, and Sage hasn’t sold Abra Suite since 2014 (Read more).

In 2005 Sage introduced Sage HRMS based on Microsoft’s SQL Server, a transactional database system. (For three straight years, Gartner has positioned Microsoft farthest in Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute in its Operational Database Management Systems Magic Quadrant. SQL Server is the reason.) Sage HRMS Payroll followed shortly after in 2007.

Advantages to SQL

Knowing Sage HRMS Payroll is running on the industry-leading database provides peace of mind. But that isn’t the only benefit. Here are a few more advantages of using a payroll system based on SQL:

• Reliability
  • Built-in file corruption protection provides the best in data reliability. Should an error occur during processing, the system stops the processing, allowing you to clear the error and begin processing again.
• Automatic backup
  • SQL Server includes an automatic backup feature that can help you ensure the safety of your workforce data. When using Abra Suite, a database administrator must remember to manually backup FoxPro databases.
• Security
  • In addition to Sage HRMS security features, SQL prevents unauthorized database access since user-level security is available. With FoxPro, since data is stored in flat files on a file server, network security is all or nothing. Once a user has access to the data, they can add, modify, delete, or copy the information.

Interested?

These are just a few of the features you’ll enjoy with Microsoft SQL Server. If you’d like to learn more about advantages of Sage HRSM Payroll over Sage Abra Suite, sign up for one of our webinars: Sage Payroll: Exploring the Differences between Sage HRMS Payroll and Sage Abra Suite. You can also call us at 1.888.421.2004, or use the CONTACT SALES button on our website.

Meanwhile, keep your eye on our Blog for “59 Varieties” posts on additional differences between the two payroll systems.