DSTS 1.5 is still probably your best bet. You could have a simple process updating a file which you can read into the game, but that is infinitely more limiting than having even a basic database backend, as available from DSTS. You are also unable to write data, which is likely to be pretty useful. Maybe fine to allow you to get read access to some simple data like the real-world clock, say, but never going to be that useful, compared to what is possible (Making a truly persistent RPG game, like an Evo, but where you never lose rank or a Sahrani Life where you never lose money and equipment).
I did get it working in a small test, but then my clan downgraded to a non-dedicated server in order to save money, so I never got around to actually implementing anything useful with it.