Interface Development compared to MS Access

[MJC22]

Hi,

I've been developing databases for research using ms access for the last few years. The application is used on accross a hospital network and while it was slow initially, it starting to come to a grinding halt as numerous users are accessing it at once.

I've been debating whether to try and develop the front end using vb.net in hopes of making the application faster.

Does anyone know if this would be the case?

Also, how difficult is it to develop interfaces in vb.net compared to ms Access?

Are there alot of benefits in developing the interface using vb.net?

Does vb.net have the same reports as access or would I have to use another application?

Can anyone recommend any good books/websites/videos that may help me learn how to program using vb.net.

Kind regards,

MJC

[Frinavale]

I'm sorry to say that even if you change the front end you're still going to have problems as more and more user start using the application.

Mind you, if you develop a front end that uses the Access database you will not maintain a constant connection to the database (you open a connection when you need it and then close it) so it could improve for the time being...

I guess I just contradicted myself here but I almost recommend that you look into using (*wince*) a real database management system ;)

Access is great, don't get me wrong, but it can only handle so much...and especially in the scenario that you're working in. The health care industry is extremely anal about securing data (at least they are here in Canada) and Access can only secure the data so much.

I recently took a look at SQL Server (2008) and it's security functionality is pretty cool.

Anyways, regarding reports, you're probably going to have to recreate them all in VB.NET using crystal reports (or something). Crystal reports are outside of my domain and I've never personally used them but I know that they are very handy when you have to create a report in .NET

I don't believe that crystal reports is included with the free Visual Studio Express software. You are going to have to purchase a full version of Visual Studio....this can be expensive (just as SQL Server 2008 is expensive) these are necessary start-up costs. You may be able to convince your contract (the health care facility) to eat the cost of SQL Server 2008 because it will belong to them once you're finished developing the application and it will provide them with essential security features that secure their data and it gives them room to grow; however you, as a developer, should purchase the Visual Studio package to develop legitimate software.

-Frinny