Microsoft Access / Server Questions

[AutoX]

Hi everyone,

Firstly : Is it possible to host / (install) MS Access on a server so that more than one user can use it at the same time?

Secondly : Is it possible to assign rights to MS Access so that only certain people can use it or edit files?

Thirdly : Would it be possible to do a remote access to a server to use MS Access?

 

[Conradl]

Firstly: Yes, with Terminal Services/Citrix/Virtual applicaiton
Secondly: Yes
Thirdly: Yes
What are you trying to do?

 

[AutoX]

Thanks Conradl,

Can we use only one license or do we require multi license for the Ms Access Software?

What we are trying to achieve is to host the Ms Access software on a server so that certain users in the company can use it to view and edit or create databases.

How would we assign usage rights to such a system?

 

[AutoX]

Is this difficult to achieve?

 

[Conradl]

Thanks Conradl,

Can we use only one license or do we require multi license for the Ms Access Software?

What we are trying to achieve is to host the Ms Access software on a server so that certain users in the company can use it to view and edit or create databases.

How would we assign usage rights to such a system?

In over ten years of doing this, that is probably the number one question No, you need a license for each user that accesses the system! NTFS permissions will work, only give execute rights to a certain number of users. If you only want users to view the database then you could use the Access runtime; and only give certain users the full package with which they can edit and create new databases?

 

[Conradl]

Not really; its pretty simple to configure. How many users is it for?

 

[AutoX]

Thanks Conrad,

I think 5 users to edit and create and the rest to view

I really appreciate your comments, what would you charge to do this?

 

[Conradl]

Thanks Conrad,

I think 5 users to edit and create and the rest to view

I really appreciate your comments, what would you charge to do this?

It depends on what needs to be done. Send me your details and we can chat....

 

[KobusDJ]

Not sure if this is over simplified, but this is what I do....

Create the MS Access database and save to shared folder on server (or suitable location). You do not need MS Access to be installed on the sever.

Worstations with MS Access installed can access the remote location and use the database. No problem with multi users.

 

[Conradl]

Not sure if this is over simplified, but this is what I do....

Create the MS Access database and save to shared folder on server (or suitable location). You do not need MS Access to be installed on the sever.

Worstations with MS Access installed can access the remote location and use the database. No problem with multi users.

Yeah, it all depends on how big the database is - and the line speed of the remote location.... Hows the telco infrastructure there in Botswana??

 

[SirFooK'nG]

I have used access for many years, if your VB is good, hell it can do a lot. Your main dB file just needs to be on the server, each person who needs to use it will need MS Access installed on their PC. As for rights, I suggest you firstly Share the folder where the dB will reside only for those who will use it. Then you will need to brush up a bit on securing the Access dB (it has its own built in wizard for this), you can create individual Users and rights within (been a while since i did that). It is a bit tricky because there is now an extra security file that needs to be referenced in the shortcut you will create for each user (might have changed a bit since I last did it - not sure).

What Conradl says is very relevant. Access moves all of its data across the network, thus making heavy on bandwidth. Server side application are always faster and less network intensive. But if you are all in one office block, hard cabled, then go for it. Else try an Access Project file, basically using SQL server, will lighten things up for the network. Stored Procedures are always better and faster!

Theres tons of advice around the net for access, just keep lookin!!!