alias_db module can be used as an alternative for user aliases via usrloc. The main feature is that it does not store all adjacent data as for user location (less memory usage) and always uses a database for search (no memory caching). This brings a easier integration of OpenSER and web provisioning interfaces.
Having no memory caching the speed of search can decrease but the provisioning and maintenance are easier. With very fast databases like MySQL, the speed penalty can be lowered. Also, the search can be performed over different tables in the same script.