Instance and Application databases?

Hi... I came across the terms "instance database" and "application database" in a book "MCITP 70-444: Optimizing and Maintaining... SQL Server 2005".

Up until now, I thought there were "user databases" and "system databases."

I found an article about these new terms here: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms166482.aspx

Are these terms specific to Notification Services?

Hi,

Yes. It is.

Application database is a database like any other database that you might create and it holds subscriber and device information.

Instance database is again a database like any other database that you might create and it holds subscription, events and other information.

Note that both the above database are created by Notification Services based on the inforamition that you provide in Application Definition File and Instance Definiton File.

Shamir|||Thanks.... this book is talking about designing a database for the first time and giving consideration to long term growth. The "application-" and "instance databases" then came way out of left field and confused me. I have added this note about Notification Services to the book so I won't have to re-ask. Thanks!|||In SSNS 2005 the instance and application object may now be created in an existing database, however you'll still routinely see those objects collectively referred to as the instance and application databases.

I've described the process of creating those objects in an existing database here.

HTH..

Joe