Putting my Access 97 database on the web

[Rebecca]

I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
together, but now some of the people in my organization are saying that
since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front end
in some other language? Much of what the database does is written into
the VBA code.

Thank you for any insight you can give me,
Rebecca

[Pavel Romashkin]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

As far as I know, no.
I am going the path of implementing a limited FE functionality in ASP. I
will leave full VBA FE functionality for those who choose to work in the
main office :-)
Pavel

Rebecca wrote:[color=blue]
>
> I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
> back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
> together, but now some of the people in my organization are saying that
> since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
> it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
> it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front end
> in some other language? Much of what the database does is written into
> the VBA code.
>
> Thank you for any insight you can give me,
> Rebecca[/color]

[Rebecca]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

Thanks for replying. I thought that maybe that was the case. It's true
that only one person (for now, anyway) really needs the majority of the
functionality of the db. All the others will only be working with the
one table and a few other small tables that relate to it and not much else.

How is ASP to work with? What's the easiest way to learn it? Do you
have a recommendation for a book or site?

Thanks,
Rebecca

Pavel Romashkin wrote:[color=blue]
> As far as I know, no.
> I am going the path of implementing a limited FE functionality in ASP. I
> will leave full VBA FE functionality for those who choose to work in the
> main office :-)
> Pavel
>
> Rebecca wrote:
>[color=green]
>>I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
>>back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
>>together, but now some of the people in my organization are saying that
>>since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
>>it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
>>it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front end
>>in some other language? Much of what the database does is written into
>>the VBA code.
>>
>>Thank you for any insight you can give me,
>>Rebecca[/color][/color]

[paii]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

You could put the application on a Terminal server or PCAnyware computer,
then allow your remote user to connect though a VPN.

"Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
news:uIBgb.6960 64$YN5.568014@s ccrnsc01...[color=blue]
> I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
> back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
> together, but now some of the people in my organization are saying that
> since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
> it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
> it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front end
> in some other language? Much of what the database does is written into
> the VBA code.
>
> Thank you for any insight you can give me,
> Rebecca
>[/color]

[Saintor]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

Among others, three easy possibilities;
- Learn Frontpage
- Use www.genericdb.com
- If it is limited to few people, the use of Windows Terminal Service (the
easiest, IMO).

"Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
news:uIBgb.6960 64$YN5.568014@s ccrnsc01...[color=blue]
> I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
> back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
> together, but now some of the people in my organization are saying that
> since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
> it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
> it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front end
> in some other language? Much of what the database does is written into
> the VBA code.
>
> Thank you for any insight you can give me,
> Rebecca
>[/color]

[Rebecca]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

That's interesting. Would it then behave just like it would on a local
network? Is it secure? Expensive? This is a not-for-profit
organization without a lot of excess in their budget.

Rebecca

paii wrote:[color=blue]
> You could put the application on a Terminal server or PCAnyware computer,
> then allow your remote user to connect though a VPN.
>
> "Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
> news:uIBgb.6960 64$YN5.568014@s ccrnsc01...
>[color=green]
>>I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
>>back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
>>together, but now some of the people in my organization are saying that
>>since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
>>it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
>>it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front end
>>in some other language? Much of what the database does is written into
>>the VBA code.
>>
>>Thank you for any insight you can give me,
>>Rebecca
>>[/color]
>
>
>[/color]

[Albert D. Kallal]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

Well, there is certainly a cost. However, that cost is often much less then
re-writing the part and the cost of setting up a web server.

If you are running windows 2000 server edition, you can enable remote
access, and anyone anywhere on the internet can use the application. You are
allowed two free remote users at the SAME TIME. If you need MORE THEN two
remote users at the same time, then you have to start shelling out some
money.

I would also of course for reasons of security use a VPN. Regardless,
setting up your own web server, or terminal server does requite someone with
experience in these areas (TS is way easier to setup then a web server
anyway. And, you don't have to change, or re-write your application).

For some reading on this issue, you can read the following of mine:

Using a wan with ms-access? How fast, how far?

http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn/Wan/Wans.html

--
Albert D. Kallal (MVP)
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
kallal@msn.com

http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn

[Pavel Romashkin]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

Nice simple article, Albert! The sensitivity of file share mode to
dropouts on the netowork is exactly why I feel that the VPN is not a
good idea and if one wants multi-user, wide area access, they should use
a client-server approach.
I would like to add that to deploy a small database it is not necessary
to set up a web server. There are tons of commercial providers out there
with IIS deployed who will sell you web hosting with SQL server / Access
DB (OLEDB, ODBC) support for $10-100 a month, depending on the space and
reliability requirements.

Cheers,
Pavel

"Albert D. Kallal" wrote:[color=blue]
>
> Well, there is certainly a cost. However, that cost is often much less then
> re-writing the part and the cost of setting up a web server.
>
> If you are running windows 2000 server edition, you can enable remote
> access, and anyone anywhere on the internet can use the application. You are
> allowed two free remote users at the SAME TIME. If you need MORE THEN two
> remote users at the same time, then you have to start shelling out some
> money.
>
> I would also of course for reasons of security use a VPN. Regardless,
> setting up your own web server, or terminal server does requite someone with
> experience in these areas (TS is way easier to setup then a web server
> anyway. And, you don't have to change, or re-write your application).
>
> For some reading on this issue, you can read the following of mine:
>
> Using a wan with ms-access? How fast, how far?
> http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn/Wan/Wans.html
>
> --
> Albert D. Kallal (MVP)
> Edmonton, Alberta Canada
> kallal@msn.com
> http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn[/color]

[paii]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

The application is running on the local network when using Terminal server.
Terminal server CALs cost $60 per user, if you already have Windows 2000
server.

"Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
news:T4Fgb.6971 49$YN5.568509@s ccrnsc01...[color=blue]
> That's interesting. Would it then behave just like it would on a local
> network? Is it secure? Expensive? This is a not-for-profit
> organization without a lot of excess in their budget.
>
> Rebecca
>
> paii wrote:[color=green]
> > You could put the application on a Terminal server or PCAnyware[/color][/color]
computer,[color=blue][color=green]
> > then allow your remote user to connect though a VPN.
> >
> > "Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
> > news:uIBgb.6960 64$YN5.568014@s ccrnsc01...
> >[color=darkred]
> >>I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
> >>back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
> >>together, but now some of the people in my organization are saying that
> >>since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
> >>it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
> >>it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front end
> >>in some other language? Much of what the database does is written into
> >>the VBA code.
> >>
> >>Thank you for any insight you can give me,
> >>Rebecca
> >>[/color]
> >
> >
> >[/color]
>[/color]

[Rebecca]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

Is it reliable? I went to the site that Albert Kallal suggested (above)
where he discusses it, and he suggests that since the VPN is subject to
occasional disconnects, the database can be corrupted. What do you
think about that? Of course, I don't want that to happen, but a VPN
does seem like the perfect solution otherwise.

Rebecca

paii wrote:[color=blue]
> The application is running on the local network when using Terminal server.
> Terminal server CALs cost $60 per user, if you already have Windows 2000
> server.
>
> "Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
> news:T4Fgb.6971 49$YN5.568509@s ccrnsc01...
>[color=green]
>>That's interesting. Would it then behave just like it would on a local
>>network? Is it secure? Expensive? This is a not-for-profit
>>organizatio n without a lot of excess in their budget.
>>
>>Rebecca
>>
>>paii wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>You could put the application on a Terminal server or PCAnyware[/color][/color]
>
> computer,
>[color=green][color=darkred]
>>>then allow your remote user to connect though a VPN.
>>>
>>>"Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
>>>news:uIBgb.6 96064$YN5.56801 4@sccrnsc01...
>>>
>>>
>>>>I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
>>>>back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
>>>>together, but now some of the people in my organization are saying that
>>>>since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
>>>>it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
>>>>it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front end
>>>>in some other language? Much of what the database does is written into
>>>>the VBA code.
>>>>
>>>>Thank you for any insight you can give me,
>>>>Rebecca
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>[/color][/color]
>
>[/color]

[paii]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

Running the application on Terminal server is as reliable as running on a
desktop. VPN disconnects will not affect Terminal server because your login
and the application remain open. You will have the same environment when you
reconnect and login.

I have been running Access on Terminal server since 1999, without any major
problems. I you go this route, check the Microsoft site for setup
information for Terminal server and the version of Access you are planning
to use.

Access is a resource hog. Size your server and memory for Power user for
each Access user.
Setup a private copy of your front end for each user, just like on a
desktop.

"Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
news:79dhb.7204 84$uu5.119370@s ccrnsc04...[color=blue]
> Is it reliable? I went to the site that Albert Kallal suggested (above)
> where he discusses it, and he suggests that since the VPN is subject to
> occasional disconnects, the database can be corrupted. What do you
> think about that? Of course, I don't want that to happen, but a VPN
> does seem like the perfect solution otherwise.
>
> Rebecca
>
> paii wrote:[color=green]
> > The application is running on the local network when using Terminal[/color][/color]
server.[color=blue][color=green]
> > Terminal server CALs cost $60 per user, if you already have Windows 2000
> > server.
> >
> > "Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
> > news:T4Fgb.6971 49$YN5.568509@s ccrnsc01...
> >[color=darkred]
> >>That's interesting. Would it then behave just like it would on a local
> >>network? Is it secure? Expensive? This is a not-for-profit
> >>organizatio n without a lot of excess in their budget.
> >>
> >>Rebecca
> >>
> >>paii wrote:
> >>
> >>>You could put the application on a Terminal server or PCAnyware[/color]
> >
> > computer,
> >[color=darkred]
> >>>then allow your remote user to connect though a VPN.
> >>>
> >>>"Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
> >>>news:uIBgb.6 96064$YN5.56801 4@sccrnsc01...
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
> >>>>back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
> >>>>together, but now some of the people in my organization are saying[/color][/color][/color]
that[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >>>>since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
> >>>>it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
> >>>>it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front[/color][/color][/color]
end[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >>>>in some other language? Much of what the database does is written[/color][/color][/color]
into[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >>>>the VBA code.
> >>>>
> >>>>Thank you for any insight you can give me,
> >>>>Rebecca
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>[/color]
> >
> >[/color]
>[/color]

[paii]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

If you want to try something inexpensive, Install PCAnyware on a desktop
Then access PCAnyware remotely thought the VPN. The VPN should make it
secure and running the application locally should protect you from
disconnect problems. You could test it without the VPN, but you would have
to open some ports on your firewall and carefully setup security on the
PCAnyware computer.

I have only tried this once back in the mid 90's using a modem on the
PCAnyware computer. The application ran OK but very slow. I would assume
that the technology has improved.

"Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
news:79dhb.7204 84$uu5.119370@s ccrnsc04...[color=blue]
> Is it reliable? I went to the site that Albert Kallal suggested (above)
> where he discusses it, and he suggests that since the VPN is subject to
> occasional disconnects, the database can be corrupted. What do you
> think about that? Of course, I don't want that to happen, but a VPN
> does seem like the perfect solution otherwise.
>
> Rebecca
>
> paii wrote:[color=green]
> > The application is running on the local network when using Terminal[/color][/color]
server.[color=blue][color=green]
> > Terminal server CALs cost $60 per user, if you already have Windows 2000
> > server.
> >
> > "Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
> > news:T4Fgb.6971 49$YN5.568509@s ccrnsc01...
> >[color=darkred]
> >>That's interesting. Would it then behave just like it would on a local
> >>network? Is it secure? Expensive? This is a not-for-profit
> >>organizatio n without a lot of excess in their budget.
> >>
> >>Rebecca
> >>
> >>paii wrote:
> >>
> >>>You could put the application on a Terminal server or PCAnyware[/color]
> >
> > computer,
> >[color=darkred]
> >>>then allow your remote user to connect though a VPN.
> >>>
> >>>"Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
> >>>news:uIBgb.6 96064$YN5.56801 4@sccrnsc01...
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
> >>>>back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
> >>>>together, but now some of the people in my organization are saying[/color][/color][/color]
that[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >>>>since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
> >>>>it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
> >>>>it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front[/color][/color][/color]
end[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >>>>in some other language? Much of what the database does is written[/color][/color][/color]
into[color=blue][color=green][color=darkred]
> >>>>the VBA code.
> >>>>
> >>>>Thank you for any insight you can give me,
> >>>>Rebecca
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>[/color]
> >
> >[/color]
>[/color]

[Rebecca]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

Thank you. It's good to know that this is being done with no problems.

Now we have some research to do.

Rebecca

paii wrote:[color=blue]
> Running the application on Terminal server is as reliable as running on a
> desktop. VPN disconnects will not affect Terminal server because your login
> and the application remain open. You will have the same environment when you
> reconnect and login.
>
> I have been running Access on Terminal server since 1999, without any major
> problems. I you go this route, check the Microsoft site for setup
> information for Terminal server and the version of Access you are planning
> to use.
>
> Access is a resource hog. Size your server and memory for Power user for
> each Access user.
> Setup a private copy of your front end for each user, just like on a
> desktop.
>
> "Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
> news:79dhb.7204 84$uu5.119370@s ccrnsc04...
>[color=green]
>>Is it reliable? I went to the site that Albert Kallal suggested (above)
>>where he discusses it, and he suggests that since the VPN is subject to
>>occasional disconnects, the database can be corrupted. What do you
>>think about that? Of course, I don't want that to happen, but a VPN
>>does seem like the perfect solution otherwise.
>>
>>Rebecca
>>
>>paii wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>The application is running on the local network when using Terminal[/color][/color]
>
> server.
>[color=green][color=darkred]
>>>Terminal server CALs cost $60 per user, if you already have Windows 2000
>>>server.
>>>
>>>"Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
>>>news:T4Fgb.6 97149$YN5.56850 9@sccrnsc01...
>>>
>>>
>>>>That's interesting. Would it then behave just like it would on a local
>>>>network? Is it secure? Expensive? This is a not-for-profit
>>>>organizatio n without a lot of excess in their budget.
>>>>
>>>>Rebecca
>>>>
>>>>paii wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>You could put the application on a Terminal server or PCAnyware
>>>
>>>computer,
>>>
>>>
>>>>>then allow your remote user to connect though a VPN.
>>>>>
>>>>>"Rebecca " <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
>>>>>news:uIBgb .696064$YN5.568 014@sccrnsc01.. .
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
>>>>>>back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
>>>>>>togethe r, but now some of the people in my organization are saying[/color][/color]
>
> that
>[color=green][color=darkred]
>>>>>>since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
>>>>>>it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
>>>>>>it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front[/color][/color]
>
> end
>[color=green][color=darkred]
>>>>>>in some other language? Much of what the database does is written[/color][/color]
>
> into
>[color=green][color=darkred]
>>>>>>the VBA code.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Thank you for any insight you can give me,
>>>>>>Rebecca
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>[/color][/color]
>
>[/color]

[Rebecca]

Thanks for all the advice.

Thanks to all who responded to my post. You've given me a lot of ideas,
and I'm sure we'll find the right solution among them.

Rebecca

Rebecca wrote:[color=blue]
> I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
> back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
> together, but now some of the people in my organization are saying that
> since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
> it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
> it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front end
> in some other language? Much of what the database does is written into
> the VBA code.
>
> Thank you for any insight you can give me,
> Rebecca
>[/color]

[Pavel Romashkin]

Re: Putting my Access 97 database on the web

I asked our IT yesterday avout this and they said, no way they would
support TS in App mode for a large number of users because of the cost
of CAL licenses in the first place and hassle of maintaining the license
server, too. They are already frustrated maintaining a license server.
However, this is for a very large enterprise - your mileage may vary.
Just like Albert likes to repeat - decide based upon how many seats you
will be maintaining.

Pavel

Rebecca wrote:[color=blue]
>
> Thank you. It's good to know that this is being done with no problems.
>
> Now we have some research to do.
>
> Rebecca
>
> paii wrote:[color=green]
> > Running the application on Terminal server is as reliable as running on a
> > desktop. VPN disconnects will not affect Terminal server because your login
> > and the application remain open. You will have the same environment when you
> > reconnect and login.
> >
> > I have been running Access on Terminal server since 1999, without any major
> > problems. I you go this route, check the Microsoft site for setup
> > information for Terminal server and the version of Access you are planning
> > to use.
> >
> > Access is a resource hog. Size your server and memory for Power user for
> > each Access user.
> > Setup a private copy of your front end for each user, just like on a
> > desktop.
> >
> > "Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
> > news:79dhb.7204 84$uu5.119370@s ccrnsc04...
> >[color=darkred]
> >>Is it reliable? I went to the site that Albert Kallal suggested (above)
> >>where he discusses it, and he suggests that since the VPN is subject to
> >>occasional disconnects, the database can be corrupted. What do you
> >>think about that? Of course, I don't want that to happen, but a VPN
> >>does seem like the perfect solution otherwise.
> >>
> >>Rebecca
> >>
> >>paii wrote:
> >>
> >>>The application is running on the local network when using Terminal[/color]
> >
> > server.
> >[color=darkred]
> >>>Terminal server CALs cost $60 per user, if you already have Windows 2000
> >>>server.
> >>>
> >>>"Rebecca" <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
> >>>news:T4Fgb.6 97149$YN5.56850 9@sccrnsc01...
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>That's interesting. Would it then behave just like it would on a local
> >>>>network? Is it secure? Expensive? This is a not-for-profit
> >>>>organizatio n without a lot of excess in their budget.
> >>>>
> >>>>Rebecca
> >>>>
> >>>>paii wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>>You could put the application on a Terminal server or PCAnyware
> >>>
> >>>computer,
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>>then allow your remote user to connect though a VPN.
> >>>>>
> >>>>>"Rebecca " <Rebecca@JaxonF amily.net> wrote in message
> >>>>>news:uIBgb .696064$YN5.568 014@sccrnsc01.. .
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>>I have a large Access 97 database that's been split into a front and
> >>>>>>back end. We've used it successfully with several computers networked
> >>>>>>togethe r, but now some of the people in my organization are saying[/color]
> >
> > that
> >[color=darkred]
> >>>>>>since some of the people who need to get at it are all over the state,
> >>>>>>it would be nice to put it up on the web and have a web interface for
> >>>>>>it. Is there any way to do this without rewriting the entire front[/color]
> >
> > end
> >[color=darkred]
> >>>>>>in some other language? Much of what the database does is written[/color]
> >
> > into
> >[color=darkred]
> >>>>>>the VBA code.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>Thank you for any insight you can give me,
> >>>>>>Rebecca
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>[/color]
> >
> >[/color][/color]