aspnet-18008-components-pivot-grid-binding-to-data-database-server-mode.md
If you need to connect an ASPxPivotGrid control to a database with a large number of records, you can use server mode. Server mode has been specifically designed to work with large datasets (the specific amount of data depends on your circumstances). In this mode, the pivot grid control performs data-aware operations on the database server side. This ensures quick access to data, even if grouping and filtering are used.
Tip
Watch the video: DevExpress ASP.NET Pivot Grid: Server Mode Data
For end-users, the pivot grid control functions identically in regular and server modes. In server mode, they can scroll the pivot grid, sort, group and filter data, and calculate summaries.
The ASPxPivotGrid control performs data-aware operations (retrieving data from the server, grouping, filtering data and calculating summaries) in a background thread by default, allowing the entire application to stay responsive while these operations are in progress.
The ASPxPivotGrid automatically operates in server mode if it is bound to an appropriate data source. Use one of the following data sources to enable this mode.
| Data Access Technology | Server Mode Data Source |
|---|---|
| Entity Framework 4+ | EntityServerModeDataSource |
| LINQ to SQL | LinqServerModeDataSource |
Note
The EntityServerModeDataSource and LinqServerModeDataSource are read-only data sources.
The following step-by-step tutorials demonstrate how to bind a Pivot Grid control to different data sources.
Server mode is not supported when the Pivot Grid uses the Optimized calculation because this engine calculates data on the client side.
In server mode, the pivot grid control doesn’t have simultaneous access to bound data in its entirety, and this imposes some limitations on the pivot grid’s features. See the list below for information on features that are not supported in a server mode.