Suitable forms of persistent memories may include disk, PROM, EEPROM, flash storage, and related technologies characterized by their ability to retain their contents between on/off power cycling of the computer system. Some persistent memories may take the form of a file system for the server, and may be used to store control and operating programs and information that define the manner in which the server operates, including scheduling of background and foreground processes, as well as periodically performed processes. Persistent memories in the form of network attached storage (storage that is accessible over a network interface) may also be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Transient memories may include RAM and related technologies characterized by that the contents of the storage are not retained between on/off power cycling of the computer system.

Stored within persistent memories of the system may be one or more databases used for the storage of information collected and/or calculated by the server and read, processed, and written by the processors under control of the program(s). The device may also be operably connected to an external network database (e.g. database server 920, FIG. 1) via one or more network interfaces. The local database may be an instance of an external network database that is provided on another server.