Dealing with MIS personnel 1

[Rob892]

I have developed an Access database to help the managers in my department work with some of their day to day tasks such as Employee scheduling and storing Employee records. They have found the DB to be quite helpful, but they need to access the DB from three computers in the department. My next step is to try to get a shared folder so that I can store the backend DB. What is the best way to approach the MIS department with a request such as this? They have a reputation as being rather unhelpful, and somewhat paranoid Some background..I am a CS major, who currently works as a BellCaptain at a major casino resort. I really do not want to appear ignorant when I ask for the folder for this Database.

 

[Norris68]

You need a folder with read/write/create access for all the people that need to use it. This is best achieved using a security group. If there is no such group already, get them to create one and add all the staff that need access to it. Then, get them to set the share/folder permissions so that only that group can access it. Make sure to include yourself in the group

 

[Rob892]

Many thanks..now I have an idea of what I need to ask them to do for me!

 

[GingerR]

give them a size too--take your current db size, mulitply by 5 or something.....in any case they'll want to know how big to make the share.

 

[willir]

Rob892

I assume we are looking at a network, especially since you have an MIS department. It would be helpful to know what type of network you will be using -- Windows 2000, Novell. If they use a Microsoft domain, then it would also be useful if they support Active Directory or not.

Next, if they are paranoid, you may want to think about security for the database - encryption of the table, enable security, etc. A simple audit program with the Access database would make an impression. (Hint: read up on this and backup your database before proceeding.)

Next, GingerR was on the right track. Aside from wowing them with your database, consider the MIS stuff. Database size is one thing. Consider planned maintenance -- for example, simplifying the compact and repair process, archiving / purge of old records.

And ask them questions -- what is their backup policy? If the database becomes corrupted, can they restore? (Recent liability rulings have gotten so bad that th elegal department for some companies are not allowing for restores unless in a disaster recovery situation.) Here is a good one -- If they are using Windows 2000, aks them about their setting for opertunistic record locking -- read up the KBase at MSN first.

Good luck with your presentation.
Richard

 

[MichaelRed]

Don't ask -have the managers who want the capability "TELL" them. It usually works better when requests/requirements originate from on high than from the depths. You should be prepared for the questions, and can smoth the process by preparing the info as a memo which the managers can attach. Secondly, "press the flesh" -as in get to know SOMEONE in MIS. Arrange the meeting however it is necessary, informal is O.K. but formal is at least as acceptable. If it is a "good" MIS dept, you have already been introduced, as you have a logon, so they are aware of you and can easily sheck your activity. If the posting of your app is "urgent", have the managers involved arrange the meeeting as part of the request. If it is less urgent, at least try to arrange it on some other basis. Ask them questions re the policy for apps like yours (Ms Access dbs) and their requirements re expectation on maintenance, splitting into UI and data; security on individual folders and files; what tests they would expect on the performance; wheather you will need to provide tech support for the app (and -if so what coverage and response time); Note that many MIS depts will not allow ANY .MDB apps on a netshare, many other do so only with numerous restrictions (the one I have seen most frequently is to split the db and NOT have the production UI on the share/server (network traffic). In hte later situation -in particular- you will need a good maintenance plan for updating the workstation (UI) portion (ther are several/nunerous threads re this here in Tek-Tips).



MichaelRed
m.red@att.net

Searching for employment in all the wrong places

 

[Rob892]

Excellent replies from all! I think I am starting to get a feel for the concerns that our MIS department will have when I ask for the shared folder for this app. I have the DB split into a backend, of course, which will be stored in the shared folder. I have done as much as possible to reduce network traffic, such as basing all tables and reports on querys. The size of this DB is quite small, only about 1.5 MB, with the backend taking up about 1MB. Should I go ahead and establish User-Level Security for the DB before I ask for the backend to be placed on the server, or will that create problems for them? As far as requesting the space, I could go as far as having the request come from a senior VP. If you all can think of any other question that I might expect from the MIS dept. would be greatly appreciated!