> We have the following report from a user, who owns a copy of our
> AuctionTracker software:
>
> Background: AT uses IBObjects 4.8.7, and is built running against
> Firebird V2.1.17910. The normal installation requires a Firbird
> installation on the workstation.
>
> This user had an old DB app. that runs against Interbase; with an IB6.5
> installation on his workstation. He installed AT on the workstation
> WITHOUT a Firebird Server installation. Apparently, AT starts, runs,
> finds its data and executes several processes with no problems in this
> environment. We're using the IBObjects TIBODatabase to connect, passing
> it the location of the .FDB database files, and calling its Connect
> method. Apparently, the underlying IBO code doesn't "care" if it's
> running against an IB server or an FB Server. Is this true?
>
> This raises a couple of questions:
> 1) Are there any adverse conflicts between IB6.5 and Firebird in a
> situation like this ... i.e., would running AT against an IB6.5 engine
> ultimately damage the data?

Nobody can guarantee, but IMHO that's a can of worms.

> 2) Is there some way we can determine at startup time whether there is a
> Firbird engine running or an IB engine? We might want to ensure that AT
> is running in an environment served by Firebird only.

As mentioned in firebird-support, once connected, use:

TIBODatabase.Characteristics


--
With regards,
Thomas Steinmaurer (^TS^)
Firebird Technology Evangelist

http://www.upscene.com/

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