synchronizing online and local office database

[guayabita]

I have been developing a contact and member database for a non-profit. It's a small non-profit with limited resources as well as limited tech support. The database was developed using MS Access 2000 (some of the staff is still running win 98) for use in their office. Their computers are off and on networked and they have no dedicated server.

Now they are wondering how they can take the database online and let members join online. I don't see how to do this and if they do how do they keep the two DB's synchronized?

1. Will there need to be a different database online. (looks like they can have mySQL or MS SQL with provider). I'm assuming we can't just have a second copy of the Access DB and snynchronize the two.

2. How do other small to med companies and non-profits approach this problem?

 

[mrdenny]

Microsoft SQL Server can do the trick nicly. Look into the Replication features of MS SQL. If you are conserned about cost look into the MSDE edition which is free and can be downloaded from Microsoft's web page.

Denny

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