Access scalability?

[JasonPurdueEE]

Hey everybody. I just found out that the database I've been working on lately is going to be scaled up a lot bigger than I thought orginally. For example, my company will be entering some 65,000 records (projected figure) per year. After a couple years, isnt that going to be a bit much for Access to handle? Or am I totally underestimating Access?

I was just wondering if anybody can give me some general ideas on when its best to go with another type of database. What are the general rules for knowing when to upgrade to a more robust database?

Let the discussion begin!

JASON

 

[Hap007]

Jason,

65,000 records/per year is not to much for access, provided you design the database correctly.

but...

How many total users, how many concurrent users adding or modifying is the more important questions.

That being said, I think you will be stretching Access, so my advice would be to consider upsizing to MS SQL now, before the s... hits the fan. Because if someone tells you to expect 65,000 per year, well that number could easily grow each year and then you would be in trouble.

Good Luck,
Hap...


Access Developer

http://www.fcs-software.com/fcsaccessdev.html

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Specializing in Access based Add-on Solutions for the Developer

 

[JasonPurdueEE]

Hey Hap,
Right now I'm being told to expect about 10 concurrent users at any given time during the day (between people doing data entry and people running reports/queries), but that that could increase depending on if all parts of the company are going to have to record and track all info we have to. What should I expect as far as the limitations of concurrent users with an Access db?

This also raises concerns with me about security, backups, storage and what have you. I am new to this sort of stuff, can anybody suggest some good reading on the topic of db management or offer any advise?

JASON

 

[Hap007]

Jason,

In theory, Access can have 255 concurrent users, but it would probably die before you ever reached that limit.

I have had 10 to 20 updaters and 20 or so users reporting on an access backend, it worked fine, but I would guess that these are the upper limits.

If you expect more users, I would consider going to MS SQL now. MS Access has an upsizing wizard which can take some of the pain out of the process.

If you go to my web site and then to the 'Links' page, I have some links defined there that go to sites that offer free online tutorials for SQL. Note, this would just be a starting point. Also, if you want, drop me an email and I could share some additional info on Access limits and the like.

Later,
Hap...

Access Developer

http://www.fcs-software.com/fcsaccessdev.html

-
Specializing in Access based Add-on Solutions for the Developer

 

[JasonPurdueEE]

Thanks Hap! I will check out your links page.

JASON