The server uses ODBC to connect databases, any Database System that has an ODBC driver can be accessed, a server database like MS. SQL server as well a file based system like Paradox or Xbase.
Performance depends on ODBC drivers. A good resource for ODBC connection strings help is
http://www.connectionstrings.com. VFP Databases can be accessed native.
Using the "Reports Manager" application the databases ODBC connection strings can be set. The connections strings are stored encrypted on disc.
Check the OBBC connection checkbox to use a connection string.
Uncheck the ODBC connection checkbox to VFP databases native.
Please note that VFP 9.0 has no ODBC driver.
Performance tests where performed, ODBC was found five time faster than OleDb for data reading operations.
NET Reports do not write anything in the databases, write access is not required.