Multi-user Access 2003 DB

[MartinX]

Hello:

Is it possible to create a multi-user Access 2003 database for <10 users.
They might all be using it at the same time. I don't know that much about
Access, but I have some programming and scripting experience with C++, Java,
and VB/VBS. It looks like I'll put the DB on a share and each user will have
a local copy of the form. I'd like each user to have a username/ID
associated with the information he/she entered. Would I just customize the
form for each user then?

There won't be a lot of data - maybe 10 fields at the most. Then I need to
be able to have some pre-defined queries available from the same form. Does
this seem doable in Access 2003? What if I want to make the form Web-based?
Any recommended links? Thank you.

 

[Br@dley]

Hello:

Is it possible to create a multi-user Access 2003 database for <10
users. They might all be using it at the same time. I don't know that
much about Access, but I have some programming and scripting
experience with C++, Java, and VB/VBS. It looks like I'll put the DB
on a share and each user will have a local copy of the form. I'd like
each user to have a username/ID associated with the information
he/she entered. Would I just customize the form for each user then?

Nope. You'd need to create a query that filters out data based ont he
current username.

There won't be a lot of data - maybe 10 fields at the most. Then I
need to be able to have some pre-defined queries available from the
same form. Does this seem doable in Access 2003? What if I want to
make the form Web-based? Any recommended links? Thank you.

Sounds easy enough based on what you've said.
--
regards,

Bradley

A Christian Response
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[John Vinson]

Hello:

Is it possible to create a multi-user Access 2003 database for <10 users.
They might all be using it at the same time.

No problem. The formal limit is 255 concurrent users; in practice,
some 25-30 concurrent UPDATING users can be handled, and some hundred
or so read only users, given decent database design.

I don't know that much about
Access, but I have some programming and scripting experience with C++, Java,
and VB/VBS.

That might come in handy if you want to get really fancy, but most of
what you describe can be done with native Access tools with no code at
all.

It looks like I'll put the DB on a share and each user will have
a local copy of the form.

Well... not the "form" per se. You will want to create the database
and use the "Database Splitter Wizard" to create a "backend" database
containing the tables (only), and a frontend with multiple Forms,
Reports, Queries etc.

I'd like each user to have a username/ID
associated with the information he/she entered. Would I just customize the
form for each user then?

No; you would need to store a UserID field in each table (defaulting
to the logged-on user's ID of course), and use Queries to limit
retrieval.

There won't be a lot of data - maybe 10 fields at the most. Then I need to
be able to have some pre-defined queries available from the same form. Does
this seem doable in Access 2003? What if I want to make the form Web-based?

Access Queries are very flexible and powerful. I'd suggest using
"Parameter Queries" referencing controls on the form.

Any recommended links? Thank you.

http://www.mvps.org/access
http://home.bendbroadband.com/conradsystems/accessjunkie.html

and many more cited therein...
John W. Vinson[MVP]

 

[Albert D.Kallal]

Ms-access is multi-user ready out of the box.

If you just place the mdb file on a shared folder, then multiple users can
work!!

However, the above setup is not ideal. A few extra minutes of time right
before deploy can SUBSTANTIALLY increase reliability.

You can read about how to setup ms-access in a multi-user setup here:
http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/Articles/split/index.htm

 

[aaron.kempf]

uh.. the bottom line is that MDB is a frontend and not a backend

dont ever use MDB for STORAGE

use MSDE or SQL Server

MDB isn't reliable enough to do a single damn use correctly
why would you trust it for multiple users??

 

[Br@dley]

uh.. the bottom line is that MDB is a frontend and not a backend

dont ever use MDB for STORAGE

use MSDE or SQL Server

MDB isn't reliable enough to do a single damn use correctly
why would you trust it for multiple users??

We've got many MDB backends running just fine. They have their
limitations obviously but they do fine when used within their limits.
--
regards,

Bradley

A Christian Response
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[aaron.kempf]

their limitations is that they're instable; impossible to secure.. and
not powerful enough.

how many times do you have to rewrite queries when MDB just craps out?

i mean-- it's not consistent, secure, reliable.

MDB is just unusable.

 

[Br@dley]

their limitations is that they're instable; impossible to secure.. and
not powerful enough.

how many times do you have to rewrite queries when MDB just craps out?

i mean-- it's not consistent, secure, reliable.

MDB is just unusable.

As I stated we've used them successfully for 10 years now in a range of
business solutions.
--
regards,

Bradley

A Christian Response
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[aaron.kempf]

yeah

you sleep well at night?

how many times do you have to rewrite queries since mdb randomly spews
when you're writing queries

it's just the most unpredictable query engine i've ever worked with.
not ready for real-world use anywhere for any reason.

i mean-- MSDE is the same price.

-Aaron

 

[Br@dley]

yeah

you sleep well at night?

Yes, and I am highly paid for the work I do

how many times do you have to rewrite queries since mdb randomly spews
when you're writing queries

Never.

it's just the most unpredictable query engine i've ever worked with.
not ready for real-world use anywhere for any reason.

As I said, my experience is different. We have many real-world apps
running (one is 10 years old and still runs a major chemical terminal's
stock and ordering).

i mean-- MSDE is the same price.

Eh? MSDE comes with Access....?

If you don't like it you are entitled to your opinion. My experience is
different.
--
regards,

Bradley

A Christian Response
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[aaron.kempf]

yes. MSDE does come with Access.

Access is a great application.

It's just a crappy repository. and a crappy query engine.