Split Database single vs multiple front-end

[Guest]

While looking for a solution to a table question, I came across this
statement from a MVP in his response.

"You should never have two users trying to run the same front-end
concurrently!"

Can anyone elaborate on this as to why? I have been deploying access apps
for several years now and use a common front-end on a shared drive. This is
the first time I have seen this comment so sternly put.

Am I missing something?

Please Advise.

 

[Guest]

No, you aren't missing anything.
First, performance is degraded when anyone is using a front end on a shared
folder. When multiple users are using the same front end, it degrades
performance even more. You are at a much higher risk for corruption when
using users are sharing a front end. Any time you need to roll out a new
version, everyone has to get out so you can install it. etc, etc, etc.
The preferred configuration is a copy of the front end on each user's
computer.
The one difference you will have to make is in your linking. Because not
all users will have the back end path mapped to the same drive letter, you
will need to use UNC mapping instead of drive letter mapping. So instead of:

S:\MyBackEndPath\app_be.mdb
It would need to be
\\ServerName\MyBackEndPath\app_be.mdb

 

[Guest]

Thanks.

I only have two possibly three workstations connecting to these apps on the
server. Do you still think there will be a big difference in performance in
this situation?

 

[Guest]

Perhaps not a huge difference considering only the apps; however, it is also
a courtesy thing. With the front ends on the server, it is a significant
increase in overall network traffic. Every time you query or load a databbase
object, it has to go accross the network. If you are running the app on the
workstation, all that is done locally, so only the data moves accross the
network.

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

Can anyone elaborate on this as to why?

Well, care to tell me where you install word on your? Why do you install it
on each pc?

Care to tell me where you install Excel? Why do you in install it on each
pc?

So, for the last 15, or 20 years, you been installing software ON EACH pc.

Why would you now through out your policy you had for the last 20 years (or
however long?).

No one, including you is suggesting that you STOP installing software on
EACH computer. Why then are you suggesting to do something different then
every over software system you have on your pc?

You have to distinguish between that of a document sitting on a file share
for all to use, and that of software (you do realize what software is --
right?? - if you don't know the difference between data, and software, then
likely you should not be even using computers!!).

So, I explain much why you split. One of the big reasons is that if one user
has a hic-up, or problem, then the other 2, or 3 users don't. Can you
imagine how silly it would be if one user in your building had a problem
with word, but then that problem becomes Everyone's problem?

You tell me where you been installing software on your computers? I doubt
your will find a IT support person that would be surprised that you install
word, or excel, or YOUR SOFTWARE on each machine...

So, I explain (not just tell you) about the split concept here:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/Articles/split/index.htm