Access vs. SQL

Major Differences

[ADIGal]

I know that SQL is just better, but need to give examples of why!

[GWJ]

Hi,

First off welcome to WMW ADIGal!!!

The main reason, IMHO, why SQL is better than Access (This is from an online ecommerce DB point of view) is that with Access you start to see a degregation of speed when you hit around 25 concurrent user connections. I am sure there are a lot of other things. Someone else will chime in I am sure.

Brian

[backus]

Access is not stable, you'll find it will crash quite often. SQL Server is designed for a function. If you put OLAP services aside, SQL Server is probably the best DB on the market. It handle more transactions than any other database, with no CPU lock, which you might get from Access, when hit with too many visitors. One thing you have to remember, is that each MS product is designed for a specific purpose. Access is really best for home or small office databasing, where SQL Server is for more serious DB people. Someone want to carry on?

[Macguru]

What is funny about Access is that his only advantange can be turned against it. Anyone can use it.

[Bradley]

Adigal,

Search for the word "Access" in these forums. I started up a discussion in here - exactly what you are talking about. The main point that stuck out in my mind was scalability. SQL allows for scalability. With Access, you could potentially see a degradation in performance once your database reaches a certain size. The concurrent users is another issue (as mentioned above)..... If you expect to see lots of traffic to your database, go with SQL.

If you go with SQL now, you shouldn't have the need to upgrade to anything more robust.

With Access, you might outgrow yourself, and then you are going to have to migrate your data from Access to SQl - which, for me, would be a very nerveracking event.

If you need a hosting provider that supports SQL at a reasonable price, feel free to email me. I will provide you with the name of the company that hosts my site. (I am not affilated with them, nor do I receive a referall bonus of any amount)...

Hope this helps. I was in your shoes about a month and a half ago........I'm glad I went with SQL for the above mentioned reasons.