What version of Access

[Hap007]

Hi,

I have a client who has an application written in MS Access 97.

This application is an MS Access FrontEnd and an MS Access Backend

The client wants to move the application to a newer version of MS Access and are open to any of the newer versions.

So, I need to offer a suggestion as to which of the newer versions would be in there best interest

My Choices:
MS Access XP (2002)
MS Access 2003
MS Access 2007
MS Access 2010 (Note: I have not used Accss 2010 yet)

So, can several people let me know what would be the best choice and why?

Also would it make any sense to convert to say Access 2007 for the frontend, but leave the backend as a Access 2002 format for possible other needs of older software?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Hap...

Access Developer

http://www.fcs-software.com/fcsaccessdev.html

Access based Accounting Solutions - with free source code
Access Consultants forum

http://www.tek-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=1121

 

[MajP]

Hard to say without any details of what the application is and how they use it. It seems MS is really pushing the Sharepoint thing for small buisness applications. We seem to be doing more and more collaboration with it. Access 2007 is a big jump in this area. 2010 is even more. I do not think 2010 is much different from 2007 so I would go 2010. Eventually there is going to be more an more databases with the 2007/2010 formats (i.e. attachment fields, multi valued fields, and just the .accdb format). So I think you are eventually going to have to go that way. 2007 was a pretty significant change. There was a lot of negative response at first, mainly because it was different. It took a while, and required some tweaking. But once you are over the hurdle the benefits outweigh the negatives.

 

[MajP]

The other thing, the way your post is written "they have an application" it sounds like they just do one thing in Access. If this is a large tailored application and they do not do a other stuff with Access; what about sql server express backend and a vb front end? Avoids a lot of licenses. But again without details, I am just guessing.

 

[Hap007]

Thanks for getting back.

I do not think they will be doing the Sharepoint thing.

I would love to get their ok to convert the backend to some form of SQL server product, but I am pretty sure their budget won't cover that.

I have done many upgrades to of Access Db's but know one has ever just told me to pick the best one. Normally, the clients have already purchased the lic's and I just work with what they have.

Given the budget limits, the product that will run the most reliably at the lowest conversion price will be the winner.

Having lived with Microsoft products for years, my experience is each new software version requires new and faster hardware to get decent performance.

Assuming that the systems are older PC's will going to 2007 or 2010 of access have issues with older hardware? This might be another consideration.

FYI, the App is basic order entry, customer information, inventory and invoicing. Has been running without revisions or updates for almost 10 years. So, program enhancements are not high on the client's wish list.

Thanks,
Hap...

Access Developer

http://www.fcs-software.com/fcsaccessdev.html

Access based Accounting Solutions - with free source code
Access Consultants forum

http://www.tek-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=1121

 

[MajP]

The price of SQL Server Express is $0.00, which may make it a viable solution.

http://www.microsoft.com/express/support/support-faq.aspx.

I am no expert in this area, but it seems like for what you describe it is pretty viable. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will chime in.
1)They do one thing only
2)Budget is a concern
3)Pretty rigid buisness rules.
4)Unchanging requirements.
Hopefully someone can chime in.

 

[lameid]

Access 2007 does include a free runtime version from what I read... So there may be some advantage in price there.

However, when I firsted tried to Use Access 2007 when it first came out it was really slow...

I would say if you do not have at least 2GB of RAM, you should stay away from office 2007. I think the slow computer I tried it on was a single core 2.8 Ghz with 1 GB RAM... I am not in that environment now and have barely touched 2007 now.

My general recommendation would be look at the minimum system requirements for Office, add at least .5 GB RAM and a little better processor. If the systems are not there, do not go to the later version.

If considering SQL Express, be sure to look into the number of supported conntections / Users.