To avoid managing users directly in the SQL Server database, you can use AES or WFM as a central user management point for AdminStudio. This configuration streamlines user access and administration. This article explains how to manage AdminStudio users centrally using AdminStudio Enterprise Server (AES) or Workflow Manager (WFM), without individually adding users to the SQL Server database. 

Follow these steps:

1. Run the config.exe tool to configure AES or WFM.

2. Select SQL Server Authentication instead of Windows Authentication during setup.

3. Use a dedicated SQL account for the connection. This account must have the appropriate access rights to the SQL Server and the AdminStudio database.

Once configured, AdminStudio can connect to the catalog using the Enterprise tab and authenticate users based on the accounts managed through AES or WFM.