Hi Mike, It is not necessary to have a local repository when using OpenManage Essentials. Once you select the FTP option, you get the latest firmwares and drivers directly from dell. Local repository is an alternative in case you do not want to download the firmwares from FTP every time or you do not want to connect to the internet. You can find your remote database server from the registry details: You launch Regedit >> HKLM >> Wow6432node >> Dell Computer Corporation >> Dell OpenManage Essentilals >> Database  In "database", the value under "server" is the name of your remote database
Do we need a local repository when using OpenManage Essentials?  When I go to the Catalog Source and choose ftp://ftp.dell.com/catalog/catalog.cab does that mean I'm downloading the latest firmware and drivers straight from Dell?  If so why do I need a local repository? Also how do I see what the remote database server is?  I know we have an OME DB server but I don't see where in OME it references what database server it's connected to. 
OME Repository and Remote Database Server