Understand PI AF clients and Windows authentication

The PI AF SDK is installed as part of the PI AF Client installation.

PI System Explorer and other PI AF SDK clients communicate with PI AF server using Windows authentication. Except for configuration of a PI AF collective, the PI AF SDK never connects directly to SQL Server. When you attempt to connect to a PI AF server through PI System Explorer, your login credentials are used. If you have permission to access the PI AF server, the connection is made.

If you do not have the appropriate rights, a login window opens where you can enter credentials. For example, this can occur if you are logged in as a local user, are not a domain user, or if the client computer is in a domain other than the domain of the PI AF server.