clients don't have sql server

[automicgina]

I've developed a VB program with sql server 2000 database for my clients who do not have sql server software on their machines. I've read a lot of articles about MSDE 2000 but am getting confused. My question is, when my clients install my program, they'd have to install MSDE at the same time, right? Is this going to require a lot of disk space and memory? Another question is, does MSDE take my sql server database and install it into my clients' machines? or it basically replicates my sql server db?

Thank you very much!

 

[SQLBill]

Just put Visual Basic on the client's machines and then connect to the database via ODBC or some other type of connection.

-SQLBill

 

[automicgina]

They don't have VB software either. My program is a standalone application. The clients will be getting a CD from me, install the software, and then use the application. It seems to me that MSDE is the only option I have, right?

 

[MAK9974]

unless you like to change to MS-Access or some other backend.

 

[SQLBill]

So, are you providing the clients a disk with a VB frontend AND a MSSQL Server database? Or is your disk just a VB application to access an MSSQL Server database and the clients have to create their own database?

If it's the first and you are distributing an MSSQL Server database, you probably should make sure you have the appropriate licenses.

-SQLBill

 

[automicgina]

Yes it is a vb front end and sql server database. I do have the appropriate licenses. My problem is I am confused by how to use MSDE. Some of my questions are:

Does MSDE take my sql server database and install it into my clients' machines? or it basically replicates my sql server db?

Can I integrate the MSDE installation into my application installation? So that my clients would only have to install my program and then the MSDE will be automatically installed?

Thank you very much!

 

[TheBugSlayer]

automicgina,
MSDE is similar to Borland's DBE. You will be placing a copy of your DB locally, on each clients' PC along with MSDE through the installation process.
MSDE runs as a service and will have to be on before the user will be able to use the DB.

 

[tlbroadbent]

Check the following link for MSDE 2000 resources.

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/techinfo/development/2000/MSDE2000.asp

Terry L. Broadbent - DBA
SQL Server Page:

http://tlbroadbent.home.attbi.com/sql/sql_articles.htm

If you want to get the best answer for your question read faq183-874.

 

[Corr]

The MSDE does not replicate your DB off hte bat. The MSDE can be freely distributed however it's data limit is 2 GB per databse. (That's a nice chunk by the way.) If you are in a network enviornment then you may want to connect to your SQL Server from the App. If not then your users will need to have the MSDE installed if you want them to use it. SQL Server 2000 comes with "enterprise manager", a great tool. MSDE can also be distributed with your app. I would follow the link that Terry posted for more detailed info.

Regards & Good Luck,

John