Other options Besides Access 1

[pipewelder1999]

I am looking for an alternative relational database management system other than access. This includes any "low end" budget type software. The only requirement is that it is a relational database and that front ends and reports can be developed with the package.

I had seen some in office depot and similar places but didn't get any to try out.

I am looking for something low cost enough that I can build an application and provide the customer a working database without the hassle of the "package and Deployment" stuff with access. The price for the customers to buy standalone access is a little high.

Any ideas are appreciated.



Gerald Austin

http://www.weldinginspectionsvcs.com

Iuka, Mississippi

 

[jrbarnett]

For non Microsoft solutions, try 4D or Filemaker.
Other options are Paradox or dBase for Windows from Borland.
I used Paradox for Windows several years ago and it is very powerful in the right hands, but the ObjectPAL language takes a while to master and I haven't touched it in years. Time has moved on, however, and things may have changed.

It is worth pointing out that if you have the Developer edition of Office, you can create the database and application and legally give your client a copy of the Access runtime for running the application at no cost to them or you.

John

 

[mrdenny]

You can use MSDE to deploy to the customers, and develope on SQL Developer edition which comes with EM And QA. That give the customers the option of buying full blown SQL if needed.

You can also look at MySQL which has a client and is free, but support is harder to come across.

Denny

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

 

[r937]

the problem with both msde and mysql is that they fail the given criterion that "that front ends and reports can be developed with the package"

rudy

http://r937.com/

SQL Consulting

 

[pipewelder1999]

I have developer 2000 I have had some conflicts installing the developer runtime packages on some machines. I finally just started distributing my demos as .mde files to people that had Access.

I love Access myself and would much rather use it but packaging stand alone applications has been a hassle so I thought about getting a low cost relational database program that is more affordable and putting some time into developing an application on that platform and then having them purchase the less expensive database program and I would supply the database.

I have VB 5.0 Pro and have though about trying that (Much more form development time) or upgrading to VB.net but I'm not sure if that will be the way to go.

I actually do the MS Access database programming as a money making hobby but I just broke my ankle and will not be able to work at my regular job for a few months so I'm gonna try to expand/improve my programs.

I appreciate all the info I can get. Plenty of idle time coming up to studyonlearning something new.

Gerald Austin

http://www.weldinginspectionsvcs.com

Iuka, Mississippi

 

[pipewelder1999]

John,

Just went to take a look at the 4d standard product. Not real close to the pricerange I was looking for. I may download the demo and see what it has to offer over access. Not really what I was looking for.

I hope to learn some alternatives to Access in my time off.



Gerald Austin

http://www.weldinginspectionsvcs.com

Iuka, Mississippi

 

[mrdenny]

With MSDE you should be able to use the SQL Reporting Services.

You aren't going to find any truly client server database that handles all those requirments. As the database is the backend and the client tools and reporting are seperate functions.

Denny

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

 

[pweegar]

pipewelder
Take another look at mysql. I did a google search for mysql GUI toos and found lots of front ends and information available. Some free or low cost to what I would consider expensive. There are packages out there to create your db's, tables and reports in a GUI. You just have to look a bit.

 

[pipewelder1999]

I have no formal training in anything computer related but have actually made money with Access developing a couple of simple niche applications.

I look at these other options and the time required to learn is a great deal longer than access was.

I can see some advantages in the power and stability for larger multiuser databases but for smaller databases shared over a lan with 4 or 5 users Access seems the only practical answer .

I guess I need to get one of those "books for dummies" . I started with GWBasic, QuickBasic, Dbase, then Access/VB but it seems that even setting up mysql is almost a daunting task. For the time and money it seems I would be better off to just have potential customers buy Access.

How are the VB6 development tools for databases ? I have VB5.0 right now and development is still much easierwith access compared to the advantages I gain with VB.

Gerald Austin

http://www.weldinginspectionsvcs.com

Iuka, Mississippi

 

[pweegar]

DB development in VB6 is probably a lot richer than in DB5 (I have little/no exp. with VB5). VB Net makes db app creation a lot easier, as far as I am concerned. And VB .Net use disconnected datasets, which SHOULD improve performance. Plus it uses ADO Net, which is built in, meaning you don't have to worry so much about setting references.

As I see it, the biggest problem you will face is setting up your db, it's tables, views, and stored procedures. Getting data out is fairly simple and straight forward. Getting data IN can be a bit more of a challange. Once you get the connections set up and running, data entry then becomes pretty easy.

If your familiar with Access and don't have the time, I would say stay with it. If you do have the time, I'd take a look at MySQL or MS SQLServer (there is a desktop version available, along with a personal version). Either way it will take some time to learn a new db, and/or programming language to become proficient at what ever tool you want to use.