Jeff

If you are changing the values often, I would suggest that you use a SQL Table, and build a simple web page to be able to view or modify the values. XML Config files are good, but they require one to have access to the drive where they are stored. And they are nothing more than a simple text file, that can be deleted or modified incorrectly.

I have been using a SQL Table, and have that table in the SQL Maintenance database on each server, in each environment. Very simple and secure to manage, modify and read. Plus it gets backed up every day.

I stay away from environment variable like the plague. They do require a service bounce. They get read only when the service starts.

Andrew SQLDBA