Access Program with an SQL Server Database
An Access/SQL application may be a good option if you will be managing a large amount
of data and will not need to access the database remotely. The advantages
and disadvantages listed below apply to an Access application that connects to the
SQL database and stays connected as long as the application is open. It is
possible to design an Access/SQL database using a quick connect/disconnect approach,
but the additional time required to build the application this way argues for an
ASP.Net/SQL application instead.
Advantages
Intallation Issues May Occur - If all of your computer workstations
are fairly new and have a recent version of Windows installed, installation should
run smoothly. In some cases, with older computers running a different version
of Windows on each computer, some annoying installation problems can occur.
These problems are not insurmountable, but can be time-consuming.
Greater Load on Your Network Server Resources - The always-connected
approach used for this application type can slow down the server and, consequently,
your application.
Limited to about 12 Simultaneous Users - The maximum practical
number of simultaneous users for an Access/SQL or Access/Access, always-connected,
application is about
twelve users.
Response Time Slows as Database Grows - With this application type,
the application will respond more slowly as the database grows. This issue
can be managed by deleting unused records and following other data management procedures
to keep the database from growing too large. If the database grows past a
certain point, the application will need to be redesigned with a quick connect/disconnect
apporach or changed to an ASP.Net/SQL application. For many applications, however, database size will never be an issue.
Remote Connections More Difficult - You can
connect remotely
with an Access/SQL application, but not as easily as with an ASP.Net/SQL application.
The remote connection for an Access/SQL application will require a Virtual
Private Network setup or some other type of custom remote access procedure.
Need to Purchase SQL Server Software - You will need to purchase
a licensed copy of Microsoft SQL Server. Multiple versions of SQL Server are
available. The version you need will depend on the size and complexity of
your application and data as well as the number of local users. The low end cost for a licensed copy of SQL Server
is approximately $600 to $1000. Access Programming Services will provide a licensed runtime version of Access with your application. The runtime
version drives your application, performing all the tasks needed, but cannot be
used to add features or to re-design the application. Using a runtime version
of your workstations is a good idea because
it runs faster than the full version,
and users cannot tamper with the application's code.
Disadvantages
Manage a Larger Database than with an Access/Access Application - Using an SQL Server
back-end instead of an Access back-end will allow you to manage a larger
database.
A More Stable Large Database than Access/Access - As the
database grows larger, an SQL Server back-end is more stable than an Access back-end.
Less Expensive than an ASP.Net/SQL Application - Building
an Access front-end takes less time that building
an ASP.Net front-end. Access provides a larger number of built-in features
and designing tools that speed
up the process.
Examples
Example 1: Screen Shots from a Home Health Agency Application
Example 2: Screen Shots from a Staffing Agency Application
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Click on one of the links below to see samples of Access/SQL applications developed
by Access Programming Services. The example windows will appear on top of
this window. Check your 'Pop-Up Blocker' if nothing happens when you click
on one of the links.
Many of our clients' applications are for in-house use only, and cannot be viewed
on a public website. The example links below will show you some
sample screen shots from some of these applications.
Example one displays screen shots from a home health agency application.
Example two displays screen shots from a staffing agency application.
