I have been reading here and elsewhere that Access is not suitable for
a web-based implementation. Is that because is was designed for a
single user (on a desktop) and cannot handle more than a few
simultaneous users?
Well, how is VB6 sutiable for a web based application?
I think you are confusing ms-access, and the database engine.
ms-access is a developers tool, just like c++, or VB6. You can use ms-access
to build a appcation, and the database system can be oracle.
The last 3 versions of the office cd have shipped with a FREE copy of sql
server (the MSDE - desktop edition) of sql server.
So, the problem here is not that ms-access can't handle more then a few
users, in fact, there are some companies that have 1000 users ALL AT THE
SAME TIME for ms-access. Of course, those access applications are connecting
to a powerful sql server database.
Remember, the performance in using , c++, vb6, or ms-access to pull data
from oracle, or sql server is EXACTLY the same.
Also REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN NOT create forms, reports etc. with sql server.
So, don't confusing the application development system. MS-access, or vb6
will perform the same when you connect them to sql server (the data speed
becomes that of the database engine you use).
So, the reason why you are being told that ms-access sis not good for web
development is a exactly the same reason as to why VB6 is not for web
development. The fact is, they are tools that let you write code, and
develop..but, they certainly are not web based.
As for the data engine? Well, you can use JET, and that is the default
engine for ms-access. However, you are no more restricted to using sql
server, or JET with VB6, then you are with ms-access.
There is a number of free engines available from Microsoft. The choice of
what data engine you use for your web based systems has really NOTHING to do
with ms-access. If you are going to run and host your own web site, then
you have a choice. If you are purchasing web space, then obviously your
choice of what database system/engine you use is going to be limited to what
your provider offers you. (so, you have greater choice if you host your own
web site, but MANY a company I know has stopped doing that, as they have NO
WHERE NEAR the experience to expose their network and computers to the wild
internet. The company I know that last attempt this gave up VERY quickly
when they discover they did not have NEAR the technical ability to secure
their website from hackers and the nasty outside place called the wild
internet.).
So, what data engine you chose is mostly going to be limited to what your
provider gives you, or if you are wiling to risk running your own web server
that is exposed to the internet.
However, regardless of whatever approach you take...it not ms-access anymore
then VB6 you are going to be using....
For lightweight web based applications, you can use JET, but why? There is
no more effort into using sql server, or sql express then that of using JET.
Even when you use JET on the web server, you certainly do not install
ms-access, and you likely will not use ms-access at all.
Since you don't need, nor use ms-access in this case, then choosing JET, or
sql server, (paid for, or one of the several free visions) really does not
matter much. The efforts are about the same, but the server based systems
are better for web based stuff, and even more so because they can be
administered remotely....something that is a pain with JET based systems.
--
Albert D. Kallal (Access MVP)
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
pl*****************@msn.com http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal