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I could use more clarification on t

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PhoenixDragon

Programmer
May 24, 2002
5
US
I could use more clarification on this one.

I need two things…if one database fits for both great, but if not then I can switch. I need to finish a demo in 6 weeks but for the final application I have much more time to work with.

The database I need this for has these requirements:

1. Must execute in real time
2. Must be able to handle large data transfers and provide quick query results no more than a second, preferably less
3. Maximum multi-users will be about 15
4. Closed network - that is not web-based
5. Must be fault tolerant
6. Must be commercially supported
7. Money not an issue but inexpensive is a big plus
8. Must work with Unix and Windows

For a front-end application, I was considering Access only because it supports rapid development and allows for easy change of the GUI forms...etc...but am unsure of the robustness of VB. There has been talk about using Visual C++ and they want to create small programs/libraries to interface with the database.

They do seem intent on using Access as a front-end.

Any help much appreciated!
 
Clarification of my own question!

I wanted to know what database would work best with those requirements.

They are thinking of using MySQL. Would like to know the pros/cons of any of suggested databases which cannot be open-source - must be commercially maintained.

thanks!
 
Someone better schooled on the licenses can correct me, but I believe your clarification is somewhat flawed.

MySQL for example is both open source and commercially maintained. And incredibly inexpensive compared to many of the alternatives.

If I'm not mistaken, you would need to purchase some 3rd party tools to make mySQL fault tolerant (at least I don't know of any other way to do it)



Definately handles the non-addressed parts of 2-8. I'm not sure exactly what you mean by point 1... because I don't believe either Linux or Windows is a true "Real-Time" operating system, but maybe I'm getting my buzz words mixed up.

Not saying it is or isn't your answer, just tossing in what I know.

-Rob
 
Oh yes, sorry about not being clear. I do know that MySQL is commercially maintained with MySQL AB, I meant that any suggested databases should be commercially maintained. They are very insistent that it not be opensource.

I do want to know the cons of MySQL though.

It's not Linux but Unix that we're using as the server with Windows on the client machines. That much seems pretty decided on.

Thanks!
 
Downsides?

Well, sounds like you need a real release, which means you can't go Beta... which means you won't get subqueries, stored procedures, or triggers.

Many a database never needs those (especially sub-queries, while it's true some queries require them or be split into two, many queries that people pass off as subqueries actually run faster if re-written as appropriate outer joins), many a good database does.

So if you absolutely require one of those three, MySQL 5.0 won't be ready in time for you so you're out of luck. If you don't, I don't think it can be beat at the price. With a Unix Server you can look into PostgreSQL as well, I know next to nothing about it, but I know it makes up for some of MySQL's shortcomings in those specific areas.

G'luck,

Rob

 
Both Windows and Unix, I suggest Interbase from Borland. I would use Delphi for the front end instead of VB or Visual C, but everyone has his own preferences.

Some price comparisons:

Only SQL-Server is cheaper in some settings with multiple CPU's but then you are tied to Micro$oft.

Regards

Steven van Els
SAvanEls@cq-link.sr
 
Hello PhoenixDragon

I have recently been using MySQL with an Acess front end and found it really neat to use. I use InnoDB type tables that allow for the setting of foreign keys and support transactions with begin and commit or rollback.

Thanks

Michael
 
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