Where to start!

[mclellan]

Hello,

I want to create a central database, and have our sales people out in the field, update their local database, and then synch this to the central database when they return.

Unfortunately I can't figure out where to start! I have read that I need the Microsoft Repliation Manager, and it is found only in the Microsoft Office Developer CD-ROM.

Is this true, or is there some 'free' way to replicate and synch my databases?


Thanks!!
Barry

 

[fneily]

I have Access 2000 from the Professional version of Office. I can open up a database, click Tools - Replication then Replica. I can also sync. I don't think you need the Developer's edition.
That's one way. Another way that I did for an insurance company for their 250,000 clients, is that the collection agents had their own database to collect info. When they came back, with one of those 250mb memory qizmos you can buy for $20, we placed their databases on a computer. Then from the Master, transfer the appropriate tables and ran comparisons and updates. We did this throught a simple macro. Actually used just two actions commands, transferdatabase, and openquery.
Or, if they are in remote offices, put up a Citrix server and they can login remotely and have direct access to your database. No replica, no fuss. You can get more info at

http://www.citrix.com

 

[fneily]

I forgot another way. Data Access Pages! You can create web pages from your database and have your IT department place them on the internet. This way your remote people can input data anytime, anywhere.
Be forewarned - DAP'S are not like forms, they are HTML, XML web pages so you need to know VBScript to do anything fancy. If you just need to have your folks input simple data into simple fields, then it's quite easy.
However, and I've won bets on this, your IT department, which is probably unfamiliar with DAP's will try to talk you out of them and code in ASP or something. If you search on these forums for DAP's, you'll find some tek-tip users receive this order from their IT departments. I have also ran into uninformed so-called "expert" web server administrators who told me Access can not be placed on the web. Then I showed them. They still rejected it.

 

[stix4t2]

Barry,

The best place to start is to develop the requirements for the projects. Have you spoken with your IT department about this project? Do you have an IT Department? Have you asked the sales people about connecting to the internet? How many users do you think will be using this app?

Don't get to overwhelmed by the project. Sales people on the road don't always have access to the internet so DAPS and citrix servers may be a problem. Replications is not always necessary for these types of projects.

 

[mclellan]

Thanks guys, this will help get me in the right direction! At least I now know Access should be up to the task, it's only going to be 5 sales people so it should be too crazy!


See ya
Barry