Decide on multiple or single database for an organization

[SF]

Hi,

The organization that I am working with have several units (Decentralized
Program, Anti-corruption, Administration, HIV/AIDS). To address the report
to donors, the organization is planning on developing database for the
organization. Some decide to design multiple databse for each unit. Do you
think it is a good ideas to have multiple database instead of one?

SF

 

[Guest]

Hi SF,

Having multiple databases will certainly complicate any comparison of data
between the units. How similar is the data that will be entered for each
unit? Another factor to consider is the potential level of difficulty there
might be in combining the databases, should this be deemed necessary at a
later date.


Tom Wickerath, Microsoft Access MVP

http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/expert_contributors.html
http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/search.html
__________________________________________

 

[david epsom dot com dot au]

Is there any confidential information? Confidential information
should be held close to the chest.

Apart from that ---

If you have two people sharing a desk, they get in each others
way, but they have good communication.

Some organisations give each computer programmer their own office.

Some organisation like to have computer programmers sharing one PC.

There is no one best answer if information should be shared, or
if people should be given the freedom and utility of controlling
their own data.

(david)

 

[SJ]

is it possible for you to use SQL Server as a backend?

If so your app might be more scalable, ie, easier to add more users.
amoungst other benefits.

You probably need to supply a bit more info, things like how many users
will be accessing the database at once and are they in the same geographical
position.. also, mention how much data you are likely to be creating in a
year or so and how good you reckon you are at database design.. (optional)

If you have all the functionality for one unit in a database, then why not
use it for all and just flag data as being from "a unit".

Your question isn't really a yes/no answer, you need to supply that further
info...

not exactly clear on "To address the report to donors," what that
means..... what implications it might have, again, you might like to put a
bit more info in the question so that the others here can further help you..

 

[SF]

There is no confidential data to be kept secret. In fact, It is the record
of project activies of each respective unit. I try to argue with the
management on keeping a single database for the entire organization as my
current job is to develop a database for one unit in the organization. But
it appear that the management has hired another consultant.

SF

 

[Guest]

Ah, the pointy haired boss syndrome! <smile>

http://www.dilbert.com/


Tom Wickerath, Microsoft Access MVP

http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/expert_contributors.html
http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/search.html
__________________________________________