Distributing Access applications

[ycim]

I have developed several applications in Access. However, now i would like to globally distribute and sell them (I own all the code).

I am wondering where the best place is to start? Many machines that I may be distributing to may not have Access installed on them? What licencing is required in order to commercially distribute the applications?

Interested in hearing all options before I begin my lonnngggg search down the Microsoft path....

 

[easyit]

Try google "access runtime" for a start...

 

[ycim]

Thank you. Lots of information on it. It appears that Microsoft has the Visual Studio so that the process of distributing Access is easier.

Do you have any input on it? Has anyone used it? Problems? Concerns? There is a bit of stuff on the web on issues, but I have found that the best opinions on issues as this one are right here on Tek Tips!

 

[Ed2020]

ycim,

There are a few things that don't work in Runtime Access, but not many. The one that springs to mind at the moment is the Filter By Form option, but I rarely use that anyway so it's never been a problem for me.

Other than that Runtime Access is pretty straightforward. One thing to watch out for is your error trapping. If a user receives an unhandled error in Runtime Access the application will bomb out completely, so your error trapping has to be water tight..... But then I'm sure it is anyway.

My only gripe about the Runtime Access distribution is the size. It seems to insist on bundling a load of IE stuff too (although this may not be the case in later versions), which makes for a hefty increase in disro size.

Ed Metcalfe.

Please do not feed the trolls.....

 

[ycim]

I am so glad that you contributed comments! I have been looking at the products to purchase and gathering some information. From what I can gather, I need to purchase Visual Studio for Microsoft Office, and it has all the tools needed to do the runtime.

How about distribution? Does it distribute and install the same way any downloadable file does? Have you had any user issues?

What about Visual Studio? What is the learning curve on it? Fairly straitfoward? Or should I lock myself up for a month trying to learn it?

Anyway, I will be certain to mark this post, so I know who the expert is if I have any questions! Thanks alot!

 

[Ed2020]

ycim,

I've not used the latest version of this, but I'd assume it's much the same as the A2K version.

The Package & Deployment wizard will allow you to create an installation file and package all the necessary files into a cabinet file.

The only potential problem I can foresee is installing the Access Runtime files onto a machine that already has full MS Access. I've never tested this though, so it may not be an issue.

Ed Metcalfe.

Please do not feed the trolls.....

 

[alvechurchdata]

The only potential problem I can foresee is installing the Access Runtime files onto a machine that already has full MS Access. I've never tested this though, so it may not be an issue.

I'm afraid that it can be an issue if the client has an unusual Office installation. We lost a client when our installing an Access runtime broke the bespoke Word Automation they were using to talk to their mainframe. It only took us a couple of days to find a workable combination of DLLs but that was a couple of days too many.

Geoff Franklin

http://www.alvechurchdata.co.uk

 

[ycim]

Wow...that really would be an issue. Any particular DLL that caused problems? confusion? Did you narrow it down, or was it very customer system dependant?

 

[alvechurchdata]

Any particular DLL that caused problems?

We don't know. We changed so much in two days that there was nothing left of the original PC but its shadow. We strongly suspected the extra DLLs being used by the Word Automation but they'd been in use for six or seven years. The company who had developed them had folded so we had no one to ask.

very customer system dependant?

Just that one site thank goodness. We now make a point of reminding people that Microsoft Office is a very tightly integrated set of programs and we need details of any add-ins they might be running.

Geoff Franklin

http://www.alvechurchdata.co.uk

 

[ycim]

Well....it definately is one to make a mental note of!

That's why I love this site. You can't get that type of experience off a Microsoft help page!

Thanks for your input!

 

[evalesthy]

Other posts have spoken highly of this site:

http://www.sagekey.com/

Also, we have used InstallShield's packaging product in the past and have been pleased with the results.

 

[ycim]

You have been using Install shield to package Access? Does the user need to have Access installed on their end? How would you get a run time file only from Installshield? Can you shed a bit more light on this option?

Sorry...although I am familiar with the name and the function, I have not used it at all. Any info you have could be helpful.

Thank you

 

[evalesthy]

I have to run out - but both SageKey and InstallShield give you an alternative to using Microsoft's Package and Deployment Wizard. The client does not need Access installed - either InstallShield or SageKey create an Access Runtime.

I would browse both company sites and internet postings for a better understanding.