Professional app deployment - best practices

[Guest]

Hi all,

I'm interested in packaging my db to sell to a specific customer base. I
obviously want this as professional as possible. What are the best steps to
take, in your opinions, to make this happen...

Right now I'm using a simple split Access 2003 front end and back end. I'm
interested in upgrading the backend, but I don't want to put the burden (and
cost) of a full sql server on my potential customers. I've looked a little
into SQL Express as well as MSDE but I don't know much about them. What are
the differences and what is the better choice? I'm assuming both of these
are better than just a simple Access backend, no?

I'm also vaguely aware of Visual Studio. I get the impression this will
help me integrate a nice install package. Is this the case?

Where can I go to get a full rundown of this? Is there a book or site I can
use?

As always, TIA

Aaron G
Philadelphia, PA

 

[Phillip Windell]

Right now I'm using a simple split Access 2003 front end and back end. I'm
interested in upgrading the backend, but I don't want to put the burden (and
cost) of a full sql server on my potential customers. I've looked a little
into SQL Express as well as MSDE but I don't know much about them. What are
the differences and what is the better choice? I'm assuming both of these
are better than just a simple Access backend, no?

They are the same thing. The ones based on SQL7 or SQL2000 are called
MSDE,...when it is based on SQL2005 it is called SQL Express,...there is
even an SQL Express for Visual Studio 2005, but it is still just SQL
Express. So in the end you have only 2 different types:

1. The full SQL Server
2. MSDE (aka SQL Express)

I'm also vaguely aware of Visual Studio. I get the impression this will
help me integrate a nice install package. Is this the case?

Can't help you there. This really is not a question about Access or SQL. I
vaguely understand and have used VS,...which is barely one step above being
vaguely aware of VS.

 

[Guest]

Thank you Phillip - very helpful. Have a great weekend.

Aaron G
Philadelphia, PA

 

[Tony Toews]

I'm interested in packaging my db to sell to a specific customer base. I
obviously want this as professional as possible. What are the best steps to
take, in your opinions, to make this happen...

Right now I'm using a simple split Access 2003 front end and back end. I'm
interested in upgrading the backend, but I don't want to put the burden (and
cost) of a full sql server on my potential customers. I've looked a little
into SQL Express as well as MSDE but I don't know much about them. What are
the differences and what is the better choice? I'm assuming both of these
are better than just a simple Access backend, no?

Yes, they are better but more work from your viewpoint in getting
Access to work with SQL Server and to ensure your clients successfully
installed MSDE/SQL Server Express on a machine.

I'm also vaguely aware of Visual Studio. I get the impression this will
help me integrate a nice install package. Is this the case?

You probably meant VSTO or Visual Studio Tools for Office which has
the Access runtime Package & Deployment Wizard in it.

Microsoft Access (Office) Developer Edition FAQ
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/developereditionfaq.htm

Tony
--
Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
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