Don’t Let Our Name Fool You
We create and
support a wide varietyof database solutions including:
- Access Client/Server Databases
- Access Client/Server Databases with SQL Server
- Visual Studio Databases using SQL Server
- Cloud Based Azure Databases using Access
- Cloud Based Azure Databases using Visual Studio
- Web Databases using ASP.net
- Mobile, Web and Database Integrated Solutions with Azure
- SharePoint Solutions
Access Client/Server Databases
Our old simple
friend! If your needs are not extremely complicated and you want a database
that resides internally in your organisation, then an Access client server
database is our most cost effective solution with the quickest turnaround
times. Generally we use this solution where you have:
- a server and client PC’s that all link to the server,
- a single user only that requires access, or
- total concurrent users of 10-15 or less.
This solution
can also be used via a VPN and remote desktop in some cases.
If you have a
small/medium size company, then this solution might be right for you. The only
disadvantage of the Access client/server model is that it can be slow when the number
of users is high or the database model is very complicated, in which case we
would at the very least recommend an SQL Server backend. As far as costs go,
this model is the one that cannot be beaten. It can also grow with your company
by upgrading to a SQL Server or Azure SQL Server in the future.
Access Client/Server Databases with SQL Server
This solution
basically means that we use Microsoft Access Development for the front end or GUI of the
database and for the backend the data is stored in SQL Server. This solution
works well for clients who already have SQL Server installed or whose business
has a large enough number of concurrent users. It also means that we can link
in and sometimes use existing databases or their data if you have existing SQL
Server databases. Access can also use what is called pass through queries and
server side processing to speed up the database.
The only
disadvantage of this method is that SQL Server needs to be setup if not already
which can add some extra cost to development.
Visual Studio Databases using SQL Server
This is a very
traditional style of database that is best used in larger companies for
internal and remote desktop use only. If clients have a lot of concurrent users,
a sizable database and already have SQL Server setup, then we will head development
down this path. The front end or GUI would be developed in VB.NET or C#.NET.
It is more
expensive than an Access solution, but for a high level of concurrent users it
is the best option as it provides server side processing and is quicker. Also if
your company doesn’t permit Access to be installed but are happy to install a
custom .NET solution, then this path would be taken.
Cloud Based Azure Databases using Access
This solution is
similar to the “Cloud Based Databases using Visual Studio and Azure” solution,
except that the front end or GUI is built in Access and not Visual Studio. One
difference is that this cloud based solution allows external staff or customers
to run the application without having to be connected to a server either in
house or via a VPN or remote desktop. This is the most cost effective way for
us to produce a cloud based database solution. Also note that we can also setup
ASP web pages in Azure that link to your database. It is an extremely cost
effective way to create web pages that can gather data from your clients on any
device and store the data in your cloud database that can then be accessed by
your database.
This solution
costs slightly more than an Access Client/Server database and has a monthly
hosting cost of approximately $35 per month.
Cloud Based Azure Databases using Visual Studio
This solution is
similar to the “Desktop Databases using Visual Studio and SQL Server” solution,
except that the backend data reside in an Azure SQL Server database that is
hosted with Microsoft in the cloud. This means that the front end or GUI can
run on any PC in or out of your organisation. So external staff or customers
can run the application without having to be connected to a server either in
house or via a VPN or remote desktop. We tend to use this type of solution
where portability is essential, all devices are Windows based and when Access
is not a viable solution.
This solution costs around 25-50% more than an Access Azure
database.
Web Databases using ASP.NET
This is web
browser based database that will run in most web browsers and is device
independent. When it is not known what devices your database will run on
because your clients/general public will be accessing the solution, then this
may be your only alternative. If you are also creating a resalable solution for
your clients to use, then this solution gives you the most flexibility and
security. You can control custom logins/subscriptions and cancel users very
easily.
The biggest
downfall of this solution is the cost. Compared to our simplest database
solutions, it may cost up to 4 times as much to develop plus ongoing hosting
costs.
SharePoint Solutions
SharePoint does
more than just capture data or store documents. It is also about automating and
improving the business process surrounding the data capture. With company
documents, it can also be used to capture context and versions of these
documents and not just store them as files. If there are pain points in your
organisation then we can help you identify and utilise SharePoint to improve
your company’s process.
SharePoint is
one of many benefits offered as part of the Office 365 suite. We can help move
your business to the Microsoft cloud for a truly mobile office.The solution
cost depends on your requirements.
Help Designing your Database
Excel Expert’s
developers can work in most areas of Microsoft database development. If you need
help designing or determining what is best for your organisation, then our
experienced developers / programmers can help analyse and develop a database
solution that suits your organisation’s requirements. Give us a call or send us
an email and an experienced database consultant will help you out.
