Q: Can DB Audit monitor data access activities such as data retrieval using SQL SELECT commands?
A: Yes, it can, it provides the complete database X-ray functionality. It can audit any type of activity in the database, including all types of DDL and DMLS operations, such as SELECT, EXECUTE, CALL, CREATE, DROP, GRANT, etc... It is also able to audit both direct and indirect data access, such as SELECT commands executed in stored procedures, functions, triggers, etc...

Q: What is the difference between DB Audit Standard Edition and Enterprise Edition?
A: See Feature Comparison

Q: What do I need to get started?
A: First, download and run DB Audit installation program on your workstation or server. Run the installed DB Audit and when prompted specify database connection parameters. That's it.

Q: Do I need to install DB Audit on every database server that I want to audit?
A: No, just install it on one computer then use DB Audit Console to configure audit procedures for every database where you want to audit user-activity and/or data-changes.

Q: Does DB Audit work on UNIX?
A: Yes, DB Audit works on UNIX and any other platform supported by your database systems

Q: Do I have to change my existing applications in order to make DB Audit work?
A: No, DB Audit is totally transparent to your applications. No changes are needed.

Q: Where is the audit log stored?
A: Audit log is stored within audit trail tables created in your database. For multi-database servers like SQL Server or Sybase ASE, DB Audit can install audit trail tables in the database being audited or in a different database on the same server. If you license and use the central repository feature, you can store audit trails from multiple database servers in a cetral repository server.

Q: Which data types are supported?
A: Auditing is supported for all standard and user-defined data type that exist or may exist in your database. Standard audit reports for analyzing and displaying audit trail data are available only for data stored using standard data types. For all other data type you can create your own custom reports.

Q: Can I have my own triggers on the same table that is being audited by DB Audit?
A: Yes you can. All supported database systems allow multiple triggers co-exist on the same table.

Q: How does it work?
A: DB Audit supports a vast array of auditing methods. Some methods have different implementation in different database systems, that's way it is impossible to provides a brief answer for this question. Please download and read the product documentation. The DB Audit documentation specifically includes several "How it Works" topics that answer this question.

Q: I installed DB Audit on my computer and made a successful connection to my database, but I don't see any reports available for my tables. How can I see what data changes have been made in my tables?
A: First you need to install DB Audit triggers that will start capturing changes in your tables. After the audit triggers will be installed you will see audit trail reports available for your tables.

Q: I installed DB Audit on my computer and made a successful connection to my database, but I don't see any user activity reports. Why?
A: First you need to enable DB Audit system audit feature so that it can start capturing activities in your database. After the system audit is enabled wait for a little while you will see user activity reports available for your database.

Q: Do I need any other software installed?
A: Yes, you need your database client software installed on your computer in order to be able to connect to your database.

Q: Can I install DB Audit on my client's computers so they can use the reporting tools for the custom application I developed for my clients?
A: No. DB Audit licenses are valid only if used at the site that licensed the product. Distributing the DB Audit to any one site outside of the licensee's site is prohibited.

Q: How is a site license defined?
A: A site license allows the customer to install DB Audit on unlimited number of computers owned by the purchasing organization and located in one geographical place such as building or office. Site licenses are applicable only to client installations of the application. Site license covers unlimited number of audited databases and servers as well as unlimited number of users who work with the audited databases.