Firebird 4.0.4 sub-release is available
The Firebird Project has announced the release of Firebird 4.0.4 — the latest point release in the Firebird 4.0 series.
This sub-release offers bug fixes as well as a few improvements, please refer to the Release Notes (PDF version here) for the full list of changes. Binary kits for Windows, Linux and Android platforms are immediately available for download.
IBExpert Benchmark Tool
Free IBExpert Benchmark Tool
IBExpert Developer Studio Benchmark
How does it work?
How do your results compare?
The current version was released in January 2026, and includes some bugfixes, preventing the benchmark to crash on some servers.
We also have a new result, but it is just to measure the network speed between the client and server (we know that it does not show useful values when using the free benchmark as this version always using localhost as the server network address, but especially for the full version incorporated in the IBExpert IDE, it is very helpful to detect slow network configs to understand why Firebird-based applications run slower than expected. Outdated Router technology, network bridge components etc. are often responsible for poor software speed.
The Net Test executes 2000 inserts to a table with 100 columns and sends all params from client to the server in individual params, so this function will create a few hundred thousand very small TCP IP packages over the network and the total time is measured by how many operations were done within each second.
A good value on fast networks should have around >=400 IOPs. If it is much slower, you should ask your network support to check the speed of components used.
It is not part of the calculated percentage result values, and also the time it takes is not used there, since these result values use minimal network traffic to measure the server speed and not the network speed.
Benchmark results on an IFSLR Server using Ubuntu Linux 22 and Firebird 5
Compare your server's performance to our IFS servers!
How do you measure the performance of your own server or your clients'? Have you ever tried to compare the database speed of your Firebird server with new server hardware? Is a XEON Machine better than an Opteron? What improvements can you expect from fast SAS hard disks, RAID controllers or Enterprise SSDs?
This simple but effective tool gives you a reference benchmark, based on our recommended IFS Servers. Using IBExpert Benchmark you can generate and compare a reproducible speed index for your Firebird Server hardware. On average, our IFS servers with Firebird are 5 to 10 times faster than the server or virtual machines that our customers have previously used.
Benchmark (extended) results using Firebird 4.0 on an IFSML Server
To perform the IBExpert Benchmark at your customers and also take advantage of the extended and XXL benchmarks, you can use either the IBExpert Developer Studio customer version or the IBExpert Day Edition. To perform standard benchmarks locally, you may use our Free IBExpert Benchmark Tool.
Free IBExpert Benchmark Tool
You can use the IBExpert Benchmark Tool free of charge on any Windows computer. This limited special version allows standard benchmarks to be performed locally and includes Firebird 2.5, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 versions, executed in application mode, so you do not need to install Firebird on the server to be tested.
The Benchmark Tool is quick and easy to use: download it here: https://ibexpert.net/benchmark/setup_benchmark.exe, install it on the drive that you want to test.
The Benchmark Tool tests 10 parallel running threads.
Running the benchmark will not overwrite any programs already in use, nor does it install anything, so you can safely run the benchmark on your server. The IBExpert Benchmark Tool does not use an existing Firebird installation and will only test the drive on which it is installed.
Select the Firebird version you wish to use for your benchmark in the left-hand panel: Firebird 2.5 Superserver, Firebird 3.0 Superserver or Firebird 4.0 Superserver. The selection in this free version has been limited so that even users with no Firebird knowledge or experience can easily perform this quick benchmark test.
The right-hand window in this free version is read-only. (In the paid version you can enter any and all of this information, e.g. define your own connection string and client library file).
Start the benchmark by clicking Start Benchmark in the bottom left-hand corner.
Important: you will need to install and run this as Admin.
Note: Should you receive an error message, please download and install the current version.
The benchmark process and results are explained below under How does it work?
If you would like a more flexible version of our Benchmark, which allows you to change various test options, test multiple drives, various Firebird instances or even perform a benchmark on a Linux operating system or remote servers, you should use the following Benchmark, included in all IBExpert customer version IDEs.
IBExpert Developer Studio Benchmark
This version offers standard, extended and XXL benchmarks, which can be performed on the Firebird 2.5 Superserver, Classic server, Superclassic server or Firebird 3.0 and Firebird 4.0 32- or 64-bit, Windows, Linux etc. either locally or remote. The Benchmark software is implemented as a 32-bit Windows software, but it can connect to any remote Firebird installation.
If you wish to collect the results for comparison with different hard and software combinations, enter a brief description of the configuration to be tested, along with the recipient email address for the statistic report.
Benchmark (extended) results using Firebird 4.0 on an IFSML Server
Then add the required database connection information - you need to set a new path for the newly generated database; if you specify the path of an existing database, you will receive a warning message:
Specify the Firebird client, as well as the user name and password (the standard SYSDBA and masterkey). Finally click Start benchmark to run the benchmark test.
IBExpert now creates the demo database, which always follows the same guidelines. It then executes the INITALL procedure in this database. Following this parallel threads are created, which attempt to input further orders into the database. Following the Drive Test, the CPU Test test then is executed.
The results are displayed in the lower window: the drive and the CPU index are percentage index values comparing to our our IFS Server v. 6.0 series, which we rated at the time at 100%.
If you have specified an email address, you will receive the results by mail, with the heading as specified in the Please add a short description of the Firebird server hard- and software field.
How does it work?
Based on a demo database, which is created automatically, the standard benchmark, which is also included in the Free IBExpert Benchmark Tool, runs approximately 8 million operations (individual insert/update/delete/select statements) using 10 simultaneous processes in 2 runs on databases created with different parameters to demonstrate the impact of the physical drive speed.
The extended benchmark uses 50 parallel processes (simulating 50 concurrent users) and the XXL benchmark simulates 250 concurrent users with its 250 simultaneous processes.
Drive Test
The Drive Test is simply creating a benchmark database from a script. Within the Drive Test we changed the value of the so-called cache buffers (DefaultDBCachePages in firebird.conf) to 50, the smallest value possible. Then a stored procedure is executed inside the database to generate a lot of test data. In the Drive Test approximately 850,000 operations (i.e. INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, SELECT statements) are carried out. This really measures the speed of the drive, because of the low-level of cache that is being used, is responsible for making a lot of I/O operations on the external drive.
- Create DB - shows the time in seconds that it takes to create the Demo database.
- TMP - Temporary file management that is used when for example, Firebird does not have any indices, which it can use, or it needs to perform some GROUP BY, HAVING or similar instructions.
- Thread test - this is the multi-threaded test. If you have for example a test on this machine, and you have 1 thread or 10 threads running, you will also see this running in the Task Manager. This can result in huge differences on different machines.
- Result - the basic value that is calculated here displays the combined results of the drive test, and we compare this value to a server that was distributed by ourselves around 2010 which had 100% speed. In reality, when you test on typical customer machines, especially in virtual environments, you will often see values of as little as 30%. Typical values are often in the range of 100%-150%.
CPU Test
This category calculates the percentage value for multi-threaded CPU tests with 5000 pages cache result to better see the advantages when using Firebird 3. This means that it no longer needs any operations on the disk. You will see a much faster result. The Thread Test, the multi-threaded line - with this one 10 parallel threads are always executed, which means it generates several thousand new orders inside the Demo database simultaneously. The Threads value here is the most important value, when you later have to check whether the server is really fast. Only this Threads value is recalculated to the Thread Test.
Thread Test
The Thread Test simply we take the CPU Test / Threads value and recalculate it. Thread Test simply means that we take the CPU Test / Threads value and compare it to the original machine. This machine is compared to our original machine as an index value.
How do your results compare?
Compare your server's performance to our IFS servers! This simple but effective tool gives you a reference benchmark, based on our recommended IFS Servers.
Our servers will show you a typical Firebird 2.5 Superserver performance of at least 200% for the CPU and at least 200% for the HDD Test with our IFS server series), und using Firebird 3.0 at least 230% for the CPU and at least 500% for the HDD Test. Results under 100% indicate an outdated server performance.
Important: This benchmark gives you a value to compare several hardware or software configurations running the Firebird server.
You will notice a huge performance increase, when comparing a Windows environment mit a Linux environment on the same hardware. This is partially due to the Windows NTFS file system, which is standard on Windows.
If, for example, you want to restart the Benchmark, especially on virtual machines, we always recommend executing this Benchmark several times, because sometimes when you execute it again, you can achieve better or worse values. This can happen because other jobs are being executed by the virtual machine host.
If the results are poor, click in the results window. You will be automatically redirected to our homepage. Here you can view our current offers for our really fast IFS Firebird servers.
Changing the server to a more powerful hardware might improve the speed by 100%. Additionally optimizing your software and database operations can often improve the speed by more than 1000%. Ask register@ibexpert.net for further support.
IBExpert User Database
The complete IBExpert configuration and work is stored in the IBExpert User Database. The user database should always be used for your main storage for security reasons. It is also possible to store SQL scripts in the IBExpert User Database. These scripts can then be viewed and opened using the Scripts/Blocks page in the DB Explorer.
If you have not specified and registered your IBExpert User database, you will receive the following error message, the first time you start IBExpert:
By starting IBExpert for a second time, IBExpert automatically creates a User Database in the user\app directory.
If you do not specify the name and location of the IBExpert user database yourself, the default ibexpert.udb will be used for storage of all settings, which can be found here: \HK-Software\IBExpert\ibexpert.udb. Please note, this area is user-dependent and even if several users work on one machine, each user has their own file.
You can of course specify the location of the User Database yourself. The simplest and quickest way to do this is using the supplied Firebird embedded server, and specifying the client library and database paths in Options / Environment Options / User Database.
See also:
IBExpert currently uses ibexpert.stg
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How do I move my IBExpert registration to another computer
Please note that you should only remove the software registration if you have a valid software subscription.
Simply generate and mail us the Remove Activation string, as described here.
If your computer has a hardware defect, or there is another valid reason why you cannot generate the Removal Code, please mail register@ibexpert.net.
Contract Terms for the Provision of Consultancy and other Professional Services
(General Terms and Conditions Services)
I. Scope of application
The following terms and conditions of the IBExpert ("IBExpert") for the provision of consulting and other services ("General Terms and Conditions Services") apply to all contractual relations with customers in connection with consulting and other service contracts and are an integral part of the contract unless otherwise agreed in writing in an individual agreement between IBExpert and the customer. The General Terms and Condition for Services supplement IBExpert's Standard Business Terms ("General Terms and Conditions"), which are an integral part of the contract in addition to the General Terms and Conditions for Services.
II. IBExpert consulting and other professional services
2.1 IBExpert shall provide, upon separate assignment by the customer, diverse consulting and other professional services with regard to the selection, implementation, installation, use, and customer-specific customization of software programs. The consulting and services to be provided by IBExpert are laid down in such individual cases in the order confirmation. The General Terms and Conditions Services apply in particular for the following IBExpert services:
2.1.1 Identification of the specific software requirements of the customer, taking into consideration the existing customized hardware and software environment.
2.1.2 Planning and concept development for the realization of the introduction of general or IBExpert software programs.
2.1.3 Project support and consultation during the implementation phase of IBExpert software programs.
2.1.4 Implementation of pilot applications of the respective IBExpert software programs at the customer's business.
2.1.5 Consultation during the installation and implementation of IBExpert software programs selected by the customer.
2.1.6 Customer support during production and optimization of the operability of the IBExpert software programs.
2.1.7 Customer consultation regarding the optimal application of IBExpert software programs, such as supporting the creation of the system design, or the construction of customer templates, data warehouse functionalities and OLAP data sources.
2.1.8 Consultation during the customization and for extension of IBExpert software programs.
2.1.9 Instruction and training of end users and the customer's employees (e.g. as standard courses, workshops, seminars) for optimized use of IBExpert software programs.
2.2 The consultancy and professional services listed above will only be provided by IBExpert to the named conditions of a service contract or a supply contract, if this is explicitly agreed with the customer.
III. Scope and provision of services
3.1 The specific objective, scope of the task and the approach is determined by the customer and is established and confirmed in writing in the order confirmation.
3.2. In as far as IBExpert provides support services as part of projects for the customer, the customer is obliged to regularly check that each documented set of project objectives are met. Project management and responsibility lie to this extent exclusively with the customer. IBExpert and the customer shall define by mutual agreement the nature and presentation of the results as well as the documentation and the reporting of project work, and agree deadlines hereby specifying which tasks are to be assumed by IBExpert.
3.3 IBExpert is to deploy qualified staff and to supervise and control these continuously during execution of the order. IBExpert shall retain sole discretion, which staff are to be employed or replaced.
3.4 Should the customer's staff provide active support in the projects, the customer will ensure that his employees are managed by a suitable employee. The designated customer contact must be named to IBExpert before the project support begins.
3.5 If IBExpert assists the customer with adjustments and upgrades of the IBExpert software programs, on behalf of and according to the customer's specifications, IBExpert is liable for the activity, but is not liable for any warranty and version maintenance for this, unless this has been specifically agreed.
3.6 IBExpert provides its consulting and other professional services during normal working hours outside the statutory public holidays of Lower Saxony, Germany, from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additional services outside these hours shall be remunerated separately by special arrangement.
IV. Payment, billing
4.1 Consultancy and service contracts are to be remunerated according to time expenditure, with the amount in each case based on the prevailing current price list at the time of the order confirmation or on an individual offer made by IBExpert. The amount of time which is to be paid by the customer includes the activity of the IBExpert staff themselves, in addition to their participation in meetings, project meetings as well as any preparation and finishing work the staff may complete outside the customer's premises, e.g. at an IBExpert office. All prices are quoted net, without any deductions and exclusive of the statutory value added tax.
4.2 Any expenses incurred by IBExpert in connection with the provision of services, are invoiced to the customer exclusive of the statutory value added tax. Expenses include travel, accommodation costs and meal expenses, telecommunications, copying, printing and postage costs. Travel costs arising from the use of motor vehicles will be charged a flat rate of EUR 1.00 per kilometer traveled.
4.3 Services provided by IBExpert are invoiced upon completion of the consulting services, or weekly, if the consulting services extend to more than one week.
4.4 The amount of time, if specified in the order confirmation, is only an estimate. Exceedance of the estimated time may arise during the provision of the service. In such a case IBExpert will inform the customer about the excess of the originally estimated time quoted. If the customer wishes to set a mandatory ceiling to the amount of time expenditure, this must be expressly agreed in writing.
4.5 In the case of larger consultancy or service contracts IBExpert reserves the right to invoice the time accrued on a monthly basis. For individual, not too extensive one-off activities, such as installation support, instruction or training, IBExpert will invoice the services provided following completion.
4.6 If services are not provided or not provided in full due to justifiable reasons on the part of the customer, IBExpert may still invoice this, minus any expenditure saved.
V. Defective performance
For the consulting and support services provided, IBExpert shall be liable for the punctual and proper implementation, but not for economic or other performance success aims of the customer.
VI. Customer's obligations to cooperate
6.1 The customer will provide, if necessary, appropriate rooms for all IBExpert staff working for him, in which documents, technical equipment and data carriers can also be stored.
6.2 The customer will provide IBExpert, if necessary, with all requisite working materials to a sufficient extent without separate charge, and at all times offer the staff of IBExpert free access to all requisite information for their activities and provide them with all necessary information in due time.
6.3 In as far as IBExpert needs to install software programs at the customer's for testing purposes, as part of its consultation services, it is the customer's responsibility to provide an appropriate hardware and software environment in due time. The customer is obliged to test all functions of these software programs, in the customer's own hardware and software environment before putting into operation. IBExpert shall not be liable for any loss of data, if the loss would not have occurred with proper data backup within the area of responsibility of the customer. A proper data backup can be assumed, if the customer has verifiably backed up his data in machine-readable form on a daily basis and can ensure that this data can be recovered with reasonable effort.
VII. Rights of use to services, documents, proprietary rights
7.1 The customer is entitled to fully use the services of IBExpert for the contractually stipulated purpose. IBExpert may appropriate the services otherwise, as long as he does not violate any confidentiality obligations. The aforesaid shall apply in particular to all documents and other materials compiled by IBExpert during the provision of the service for the customer.
7.2 Insofar as trade mark protectable work of any type (e.g. copyrights, patents, utility models) results from the consultation services, they will be attributed to IBExpert as if they were exclusively based on the activities of IBExpert employees. In this case IBExpert grants the customer non-recompensable, perpetual, non-exclusive, usage rights, transferable only with the consent of IBExpert.
VIII. On-site training courses, standard training
8.1 IBExpert can provide training services (training, workshops, seminars) at the customer's premises or at a place designated by the customer. In such a case the customer shall ensure, at his own expense, that suitable premises and a sufficient number of computers per participant are available for the training dates agreed in writing. This also includes installation of the software to be taught on all computers.
8.2 Furthermore IBExpert conducts standard training (training courses, seminars, workshops, etc.) as described on their website www.ibexpert.net/.
8.3 Fees for standard training include, in addition to the participation fee, any necessary training materials and use of technical equipment and systems in the training classrooms. Refreshments are also included in the price. Travel costs, meals and accommodation expenses are to be borne by the participant or by the customer. Partial attendance does not entitle the participant to a reduction of the participation fee.
IX. Amendment and cancellation of training events, miscellaneous
9.1 IBExpert reserves the right to use replacement speakers at the training sessions (training at the customer's, standard training), to alter the content of the training slightly, as well as, if necessary, reschedule the date and change location, e.g. when there is a small number of confirmed registrations, and if necessary, for organizational or other reasons, cancel a training event completely. In the latter case, any training fees already paid will be refunded in full.
9.2 The customer shall notify IBExpert immediately, should he be unable to attend the agreed training course dates. In case of cancellation of a training event by the customer up to two weeks before the course is due to begin, IBExpert is entitled to invoice a processing fee of EUR 250.00 plus the statutory value added tax. If a training event is cancelled up to a week before the training is due to start, half of the seminar fee, after that the full training fee is due, unless a substitute participant (standard training), can be provided. The above cancellation fees do not apply only if the customer can prove that no damage has occurred or is substantially lower than the cancellation fee, or the training event has been canceled by IBExpert in accordance with Section 9.1.
9.3 To meet the deadline cancellations must be received in writing by post for the attention of IBExpert.
9.4 Any form of reproduction of any or all of training materials handed over to the client (e.g. manuscripts, graphics, videos, etc.) on printed or electronic means either whole or in part requires the express written consent of IBExpert.
X. Validity of the Standard Business Terms
The general provisions regarding e.g. the conclusion of the contract, delivery, remuneration and terms of payment, retention of title and reservation of rights, liability, statute of limitation, place of jurisdiction, etc. contained in the IBExpert Standard Business Terms ("General Terms and Conditions") shall apply mutatis mutandis.
General Terms and Conditions Services - Status: 04.10.2016