Access versus Visual Foxpro

[ozgirl]

Can you please answer why my programmer says that Visual Foxpro is more powerful than Access? We're looking at re-writing our program and employing a new programmer and people (like father-in-law)are asking why not just use Access.
I've been told it's a bit like the different between Notepad and Microsoft Word - you can type a letter but there are many more tools that MS Word offers.
I would like the feedback.
Many thanks
Katie

 

[Ed2020]

VFP is more powerful than MS Access, but this doesn't necessarily mean it is the best tool for your particular requirements.

MS Access is quicker and cheaper to develop in and also relatively easy to maintain. Access skills are more widely available, which is something to consider as well.

If your project requires a more powerful platform than Access I'd be more tempted to go with VB on a SQL Server backend, but that's only my opinion.

Give us some more information about your project. This may allow us to give a more reasoned response.....

Ed Metcalfe.

Please do not feed the trolls.....

 

[ozgirl]

We do currently have a bespoken software program in Visual Foxpro. We've been using this platform for over 5 years. We're now looking at re-developing the program and adding a CRM component to it. We have 6 users and currently a customer base of 40,000 with over 12 tables. We're a mailorder gift company.
I'm just frustrated in not being able to answer the question properly when asked why don't we look at Access. I feel when we've been using Foxpro for so long why would we go "backwards" (in my mind).
I'd like a more informed response - thank you.
Regards
Katie

 

[KenReay]

Hi

Based on the information you have given, Access would be upto the job, 12 tables, 40,000 rows and 6 users is well within it's capabilities.

The question must be asked however, "where do you expect to be in therms of volume in say 5 years time?"

And there may be more to your application than the figures you quote of course.

It is a natural tendancy for people to prefer the product with which they are familiar (and that applies to programmers as well as people!)

There is also a natural tendancy for programmers to want to use something new - always helsp the CV, and if you can gain the skills at the cleints expense, then what is there to lose?

Cynical views perhaps, but realistic I believe!



Regards

Ken Reay
Freelance Solutions Developer
Boldon Information Systems Ltd
Website needs upgrading, but for now -

http://www.kenneth.reay.btinternet.co.uk

UK

 

[Ed2020]

I can't see any reason, from the info posted, that Access wouldn't be well up to the job.

I have Access databases that run like a dream with millions of records in many more tables than that.

Having said that Access produces a shed load of network traffic. That may be a consideration for you.

Other than that Access is a *very* underrated database platform. I'd say it's well worth considering.

I can guarantee I could develop an Access solution faster than a competent Foxpro developer could on their chosen platform.

Ed Metcalfe.

Please do not feed the trolls.....