Ways to use an Access database for Small Business.
- A data repository, consiting of linked tables
- An internal interface for displaying the data repository
- Another database as a client interface linked to the data repository
- A .Net application linked into the data repository
Where to use the Access database
- Standalone on a single computer
- For Sharing data. Inhouse for a small company with a small number of users, say under 10 users
Where not to use Access
- For larger number of users. Access is not a server and cannot handle large number of users
- The Internet is a security risk. Access data is continuously connected to the Client.
Writing VBA code
- Using the Infrastructure of Access provides an important starting tool set (forms, reports, queries, macros, etc.)
- Versatility can be achieved by using the native VBA code.
- More complex functions can be done in another program using say VB.Net. (e.g. image processing) and run from Access.
Advantages
- Easy to develop a versatile application that a small business can use
- Modelling of daily business functions is feasible
- Referential Integrity of data
- Communication between Client machines via Form Timers
