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cansevin

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Access database on 2 computers

My service company is expanding and I going to need to hire someone to assist me in the office. My concern is I run the company from an access database that controls all customer contact info, invoicing, and memos.

With now two computers working, how can I get all the info back to one database. Ie: if my assistant makes changes to an invoice or adds an invoice, how can I get that to one central database?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
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John Easton
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You have a couple of choices.  If you have MS SQL Server I would upsize your database to this.

Otherwise, you can move the tables in to a new backend database which is linked to the front end which has your queries, forms etc.  Each PC that needs it can then have a copy of the front end and all the data is therefore shared as it is stored in the backend database.
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Jeffrey Coachman
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@boag2000:  Yes, if there is not a database to upsize to, then this is what I was meaning.  Thanks for the links, it has been years since I have split an access database!
Then it is not quite clear what your question is here...
(Because splitting the db is what both JEaston and myself are suggesting)

A Split database is the standard way of allowing multiple users update the same data.
(which is what you seem to be asking about here)

So, sure you can run an unsplit database if the concurrency is always going to be low, and/or the likelihood of two users updating the exact same field/record will also be rare.
(Only two users)
But what happens when this increases?
What happens when your app matures and you have automation that may result in edit  conflicts if the db is not split?

Even if you upsize the Backend to SQL Server, you still need a front end in each users workstation.

In other words, if you are sure splitting the db is not the solution, then what other technology are you looking for?

<it has been years since I have split an access database! >
In the same way that someone can claim that it's been years since they backed up their data (and they have never had a HD crash).
Or that it has been years since they have updated there Antivirus software, and never gotten a virus/Trojan/malware

So again, (unless we are misunderstanding your question), I am not sure what you are looking for here...


JeffCoachman
Another approach is to change it to a web application.
It requires extra knowledge to develope, but has the following advantages:
     One application on server,
     Browser as fron end.
     Ease of adding other users.
     Can be accessed remotely.
@boag2000: I think you read my second comment and thought it was from the author.  I was just replying to you, although on re-reading it I missed the word 'server' in the line "if there is not a database server to upsize to"

Sorry if I caused confusion!
JEaston.

Yes, I think that is what happened.

Then I too must apologize for any confusion my post(s) caused...
:-(

Let's see if the OP comes back and clarifies...

;-)

Jeff
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cansevin

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Wow... this is confusing. I wish I was more intelligent with this stuff. Seems like "splitting" the database is one option or MS SQL Server is another option?

It will be rare that both computers are working on the exact same invoice/client.

What would be the pro's and cons of both? How expensive is getting up a MS SQL Server for my small business? How hard is it to "split" the database?

Thanks for all you help! Looks like I have a lot to learn!
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@DatabaseMX:  I agree in general terms if users will stay small.  If it is expected to grow then thinking about progression to a server solution never hurts.  Developing a web application is a huge step - I have several web based systems which started life in Access.
"stay small."
Well ... I won't debate SQL Server - and of course, you really can't go wrong with SQL Server.  But, based on the description of the OP's situation - I'm thinking Access - especially since the OP already has a function Access db.

Meanwhile, I have (up to) 160 simultaneous users running over a 1Gb fiber optic WAN - 64 mile round trip between local workstations and our shared drive - with no issues whatsoever :-)

mx
I agree with MX - discussion of moving to SQL Server or rewriting of a web app is very premature for the scenario that the OP described.  Merely splitting the Access database and running the FE on two different PCs, as MX described, should be completely sufficient.

cansevin, once you have your database split, you're welcome to use our free J Street Access Relinker on our J Street Downloads page:  http://www.JStreetTech.com/downloads
It's a lot nicer than the Linked Table Manager.

It's some code that you simply copy into your front-end application.  It handles multiple Access back-end databases, ignores non-Access tables, and can automatically and silently relink to back-end databases in the same folder as the application (handy for work databases or single-user scenarios).  There's a ReadMe table with instructions.

Cheers,
Armen Stein