developing a client server multi user application Version: 97 (8.0) 1

[adityamalla]

Hey guys,

I am new to the access environment, but I have some knowledge of dbases, I am required to develop an application (client/server, multi-user), but I am quite confused,

I want to ask whether it is possible to develop client server application in MS Access 97 with the backend database in Access and the frontend using VBA for access.

the client and server reside on different machines as it is a multi user application, also if it is possible, how do I exchange the data between the database and front end and how should I generally go about developing this application,

also I would request for a good source for learning VBA for access, also if the above is not possible then do I have to develop front end in VB and the back end in SQL? I would also like to know if the above is not possible in 97 is it possible in 2003 version?

I would be grateful if someone could answer my queries as I am currently quite lost and new to the access environment.

Thanx in advance

 

[JoeAtWork]

Having a database split between frontend and backend is quite normal, and is the recommended practice. The backend MDB would contain the tables and be located on the server. The front end MDB would usually reside on the users' machines, and it contains all the forms, queries, reports, macros, and code modules.

You access the backend tables by "linking" them in the front-end copy to the backend database (you will see this option if you select "New" table).

My recommended resource would be "Access Enterprise Developer's Handbook" by Litwin/Getz/Gunderloy (those are the authors for the 2002 version). The companion book is "Access Desktop Developer's Handbook". If you are new to Access, you should look through the "DeskTop" one first. The "Enterprise" volume covers multi-user considerations.

Access 97 has all the core functionality you need. The 2000, 2002, and 2003 versions really did not add that much (and introduced some "mis-features" that usually need to be turned off).