asp.net developer trying to do first desktop app - advice needed
Hi guys
I've been an asp.net dev for some time now.
I've written a console app with a bit of hand holding once but apart from that everything I've done has been web based
I've been asked to develop a desktop app for a microfinance org in a slum
They won't have net access but have 3 sites and need to backup the data everyday
They could have net access using a dongle every evening to just upload the daatabase
I have no idea on the best approach
If I use SQL server express I'd like to be able to easily backup the data
Can it be done.via the web and/or via USB drive?
Can someone please explain the rough artictecture of this system based on the above
please bear in mind all I know is asp.net web development
I once read an article on disconnected data sets but not sure this is relavent here
Just to reiterate, they have 3 sites all with different data (same structure though) and it needs to be backed up via USB/internet everyday as there is a good chance.the laptops will get stolen
Using a constant internet connection isn't an option
Also could I do it like a web app? And just run it locally?
I need to factor in deploying new versions of code and for it to be done without me being there
Thanks for your ideas and insights
I've been an asp.net dev for some time now.
I've written a console app with a bit of hand holding once but apart from that everything I've done has been web based
I've been asked to develop a desktop app for a microfinance org in a slum
They won't have net access but have 3 sites and need to backup the data everyday
They could have net access using a dongle every evening to just upload the daatabase
I have no idea on the best approach
If I use SQL server express I'd like to be able to easily backup the data
Can it be done.via the web and/or via USB drive?
Can someone please explain the rough artictecture of this system based on the above
please bear in mind all I know is asp.net web development
I once read an article on disconnected data sets but not sure this is relavent here
Just to reiterate, they have 3 sites all with different data (same structure though) and it needs to be backed up via USB/internet everyday as there is a good chance.the laptops will get stolen
Using a constant internet connection isn't an option
Also could I do it like a web app? And just run it locally?
I need to factor in deploying new versions of code and for it to be done without me being there
Thanks for your ideas and insights
ASKER
Thanks, I'm looking for a solution that will allow non technical users to do this
How does your solution fit in this this category?
How does your solution fit in this this category?
SQL Server allows you to backup a database using both TSQL and SQL Management Objects
TSQL
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms186865.aspx
SMO
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/microsoft.sqlserver.management.smo.backup.aspx
You can provide this functionality within your app to create the backup files which the user can then either copy to USB or upload via web.
TSQL
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms186865.aspx
SMO
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/microsoft.sqlserver.management.smo.backup.aspx
You can provide this functionality within your app to create the backup files which the user can then either copy to USB or upload via web.
ASKER
So does it Produce a .Bak file?
How about deployement of new versions? Do I have to use an installer?
How about deployement of new versions? Do I have to use an installer?
ASKER
So could the app generate a backup file, and then take it to one of the other laptops and import the. File?
Yes. It produces a backup file which can be restored later. But are you sure you want backup/restore and not sync?
ASKER
Can you sync via a file on USB drive?
Is.syncing harder to develop than a straight backup?
What are the disadvantages on syncing and some areas to avoid/look out for?
Is.syncing harder to develop than a straight backup?
What are the disadvantages on syncing and some areas to avoid/look out for?
Syncing would be bit complex and I dont think it can be done on files. It all depends on your requirements though. Syncing would be need if data is being entered at multiple sites and needs merging.
ASKER
Hi
Just to re-iterate
3 sites all running same desktop app
daily backup onto pen drive will then goto 1 central computer
this central computer will import all 3 backups from different sites
the central computer will then generate reports on the data as and when its needed
all data will be stored in database.
when i do restoring in SQL express it asks me to replace all data or to merge (i think) would this feature be enough....and can it be done in code?
Just to re-iterate
3 sites all running same desktop app
daily backup onto pen drive will then goto 1 central computer
this central computer will import all 3 backups from different sites
the central computer will then generate reports on the data as and when its needed
all data will be stored in database.
when i do restoring in SQL express it asks me to replace all data or to merge (i think) would this feature be enough....and can it be done in code?
I think you should take the route of import/export rather than backup/restore. Export from source computers into something like xml/excel/access/csv etc and then import at the central computer.
ASKER
ok thanks
how would it handle duplicates?
or would i just overwrite everything
the bit i get confused with is the 3 sites,
i.e. there have to be 3 imports to get all the data into the database, and there will be existing data that will need to be updated
how would it handle duplicates?
or would i just overwrite everything
the bit i get confused with is the 3 sites,
i.e. there have to be 3 imports to get all the data into the database, and there will be existing data that will need to be updated
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Even database operations such as Backup and restore will be supported by .NET Framework Classes. Refer SqlBulkcopy and so on.
I gave only the way to go. Please refer more articles in that particular topics and go on. Good luck!!