Multiple DBMS Support

[maryewhite via DotNetMonster.com]

I am in the process of designing a windows application that must support
multiple DBMS (MS Access, SQL Server, Oracle, etc.). The user will be able
to open, create, and save as from the file menu. I am contemplating using an
XML schema to define the database structure. Is there a resource (book,
white paper, etc.) that describes "best practices" (ideally with examples)
for this type of functionality?

 

[Pritcham]

Hi Mary

I don't know of any best practices etc (although you may want to look
on the Microsoft 'Patterns and Practices' site as this has a lot of
useful info) but one suggestion I'd make (and apologies if it's
obvious) is to split out your data access layer so you can effectively
have one DAL for each supported DB type and can switch between them as
necessary.

As I say, apologies if I'm trying to teach you to suck eggs here - just
thought I'd chip in with something.

Cheers
Martin