Microsoft Access: Disadvantages

Don — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 21:55:10 +0000

Even though Microsoft has stated that Access is able to support 255 concurrent users, it is a more practical choice to select Access when the database will be used by only 15 to 20 simultaneous users. If more than 20 users try to gain access to the database, performance and response time may begin to suffer.
A user who is new to software development may find that they are a bit overwhelmed when using Microsoft Access. In order to maximize the potential of Access, a thorough understanding of relational database design along with VBA coding is highly recommended. As with any software development tool, the ease of screen use, database performance, automation of data input, and report quality relies on the skill level and experience of the developer.
If you have sensitive data needs like storing health and medical records, financial information, academic records or employment data, for example; you will require more extensive database security than Access can offer. One suggestion would be to use SQL Server as the database engine with an Access front-end.
Microsoft Access does have a few limitations. Access was not designed to be used with applications that are web based since its forms and reports are only functional in a Windows environment and are not compatible with an internet browser like Internet Explorer. The Access Jet database that is used by Microsoft Access is a file based system and does not contain the server features that are available in SQL Server, Oracle or other ODBC compliant databases. Access databases are more suited for web based solutions when the number is users is small or if the users are just viewing data rather than editing or deleting.
In the past, record locking activities in Access caused an increase in response time which resulted in slow performance on a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) when accessing the Access Jet database. However, this problem has been eliminated as a result of quicker broadband connections. It is important to note that performance can also be enhanced if a continuous connection is maintained to the back end database throughout the session rather than opening and closing the sessions every time a table is requested. If you find that Access database performance over a VPN or WAN connection continues to suffers, then perhaps Microsoft Terminal Services is an effective alternative. We have found that Access databases linked to a SQL Server or Access Data Projects work quite well over VPN and WAN connection.

SQL Server Reporting Services and Crystal Reporting

Don — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:46:12 +0000

Having been in the IT industry for over 15 years now and successfully wearing many hats I have grown partial to database administration and development. Because of this I have purchased and installed Crystal Reports Enterprise Edition on an application server that I administered at a previous job. Having said that, I have developed many Crystal Reports of all various types, colors (you name it), for various individuals, departments, and executive management. These reports were very well liked. Liked well enough that I ended up creating all kinds of templates that were very useful. Crystal Reports are great.

I have had the opportunity as well to create reports using SQL Server Reporting Services. I am not saying that you cannot create good pivotchart and or pivottable reports but I have experienced now first hand that end users know the difference between SSRS reports and Crystal Reports. I have witnessed company and department heads switching from Crystal Reporting to SSRS reporting then switching back. SQL Server’s integration services and analytical services have their advantages and can be great services to company’s in need of those services. For comparing SQL Server’s Reporting Services and Crystal Reports reporting features the following link should be of some help:
SSRS in comparison to Crystal Reports.
The preceding comparison came out before Crystal Reports 2008 became available.

Databases..Administration, Development, Reporting, Exporting, SSIS, SSAS, and SSRS.

Microsoft Access: Disadvantages

SQL Server Reporting Services and Crystal Reporting