Building a front-end interface

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • sqlgal
    New Member
    • Feb 2007
    • 2
    #1

    Building a front-end interface

    Hi,
    This is my first time on this message. I hope I am posting this question in the right place...

    I work for a 60+ person operation and I am in charge of upgrading us off of our FileMaker 5.0 application. I've decide to use an MSSQL Server back-end, but I'm not sure about the front-end. Previously (for other projects) I've created a web based front end using classic ASP with JavaScript, VBScript, DHTML, CSS, etc., but I'm not sure if that's the best idea here. Perhaps there's newer or better technology out there...?
    The application will have 25-50 tables and require a lot of data entry. The users will require flexible searching, exporting, and reporting capabilities. Also, it will have to retrieve data that we have stored in our as400 (which is part of a custom application that we can not modify and is not going anywhere).

    Any ideas?

    Thanks in advance,
    sqlgal
    Tags: None
    • NeoPa
      Recognized Expert Moderator MVP
      • Oct 2006
      • 32634
      #2
      I only really know the Access side of that question.
      Access would do a fine job technically. Where the more web based approaches win out though is in flexibility of presentation (where do you want to access it from - Office bound? etc.). I'll let someone more qualified than me give you the full SP on that though.

        Comment

        • Banfa
          Recognized Expert Expert
          • Feb 2006
          • 9067
          #3
          My understanding is that MS SQL scales much, much better than access.

          I would imagine that ASP.NET or Visual basic .NET or C# (using .NET) or even at a pinch C++ using .NET would be the language to write the user interface in.

          Using Visual Studio you will find that a lot of the hard work is taken out of writing everything as it will integrate MS SQL and ASP.NET relatively easily.

          As to the AS400 you will need to find out how the data it stores can be accessed before deciding on a method to do it.

            Comment

            • AricC
              Recognized Expert Top Contributor
              • Oct 2006
              • 1885
              #4
              I would say something .Net. You should figure out a few things first though. Do you want the app to be accessible through the web if yes then ASP.Net is the way to go, forget ASP classic. If it's just an inter-office type of thing use VB.Net, C#, or even Access. This all assumes that you have Visual Studio.

              Aric

                Comment

                • NeoPa
                  Recognized Expert Moderator MVP
                  • Oct 2006
                  • 32634
                  #5
                  Just to be clear, I was commenting on Access as a specifically Front-End piece of this puzzle. Not suggesting it for the Back-End.

                    Comment

                    • MMcCarthy
                      Recognized Expert MVP
                      • Aug 2006
                      • 14387
                      #6
                      You should be able to link the AS400 data tables into your SQL database. Not sure of the method but I'm sure someone else here will be. As NeoPa said .NET would be the best development environment regardless of which language you use. It can probably facilitate the integration of the AS400 data as well but I'll leave that question to the .NET experts.

                      Mary

                        Comment

                        • Killer42
                          Recognized Expert Expert
                          • Oct 2006
                          • 8429
                          #7
                          Originally posted by mmccarthy
                          You should be able to link the AS400 data tables into your SQL database. Not sure of the method but I'm sure someone else here will be. As NeoPa said .NET would be the best development environment regardless of which language you use. It can probably facilitate the integration of the AS400 data as well but I'll leave that question to the .NET experts.
                          Using .Net limits you to Windows-only, doesn't it? (I realise that's a pretty wide "limit" these days, but there are plenty of people who prefer other environments).

                            Comment

                            • sqlgal
                              New Member
                              • Feb 2007
                              • 2
                              #8
                              thanks for all the replies.

                              initially, the application would just be for within the office, but my goal would be to allow our users access from outside of the office and then ultimately allow our clients to securely log in to see their information.

                              another question: if i do go ahead and develop with .net - of which i have never studied, what's the best and fastest way to learn it? reading books/websites or investing in a training course? any specific recommendations (of books or courses).

                              thanks,
                              sqlgal

                                Comment

                                • MMcCarthy
                                  Recognized Expert MVP
                                  • Aug 2006
                                  • 14387
                                  #9
                                  Originally posted by sqlgal
                                  thanks for all the replies.

                                  initially, the application would just be for within the office, but my goal would be to allow our users access from outside of the office and then ultimately allow our clients to securely log in to see their information.

                                  another question: if i do go ahead and develop with .net - of which i have never studied, what's the best and fastest way to learn it? reading books/websites or investing in a training course? any specific recommendations (of books or courses).

                                  thanks,
                                  sqlgal
                                  Any new application is best learned by doing a short course on it and then using books and forums like this to expand your knowledge. Doing the course will give you the basics.

                                  Mary

                                    Comment

                                    • r035198x
                                      MVP
                                      • Sep 2006
                                      • 13225
                                      #10
                                      I would have to suggest PHP for you here. It is very easy to learn and not difficult to connect to MS SQL. There is also lots of free support for such a technology if you get into any problems.

                                        Comment

                                        Previous template Next
                                        Working...