[WEB4LIB] Access2002 vs. SQL .. which way do we go?

[Douglas Joubert]

Vicki,

I can only echo what Dan and Jeff stated earlier and maybe you need to clarify with your consultant what you are actually looking to accomplish. Specifically that SQL is a language, and more specifically it is the "glue" that hold togther Access queries. Vicki I do not know how familiar you are with MS Access but if you did not know, you can view the SQL statements of your queries in Design View in Access.

Like Jeff when I have worked out problems like yours I have used the a script to connect to the MS Database, but only if my DB was or a manageable size. I must admit (purist cover your ears) I do all my scripting within Dreaweaver MX. Not having a strong tech background I like that fact that you can do ASP Server (DNS) scripts via a pop up menu.

Concerning the SQL portion of you question, so do you think the consultant might have been suggesting MySQL, which unlike SQL is product. I like MySQL also, and you cannot also connect to MySQL via Access---> File---> Get External Data---> Import. As illustrated by the recent comments everyone has their own preferences about what type of application server is best. My experience has been that I found MySQL a little more difficult to set up but for larger sets of data I prefer it over MS Access.

I hope my 0.00025 cents helps

Cheers

DJJ


Douglas Joubert, MLIS
Cataloging and Digital Information Librarian
Greenblatt Library AB-247
Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, GA 30912-4400

>>> Vicki Falkland <rch.library at wch.org.au> 12/04/02 08:50PM >>>
dear all,

our library is planning to convert our static HTML journals list into a
dynamic list. i am a total newbie when it comes to dynamic websites and
databases. i do follow threads posted here on this topic, and have searched
the Archives, but i need to ask something about different methods please ...

CURRENTLY: our journal titles are all contained in an Access(2000) database
(by a colleague), which we use to print hard copy lists and reports, but
the web version is hand-coded (by me). therefore, we are maintaining two
lists. 

THE ORIGINAL PLAN: with help from our organisation's webmaster (for a fee;
our webmaster charges for his time and expertise), we would move the info
from the Access database into SQL, which i presume would mean we'd have to
learn SQL to maintain it. we would also have a web-based admin page set up
so that either of us could edit the (single) list as necessary.

THE PROPOSED NEW PLAN: my colleague has now suggested that Access2002 is
miraculous and will do everything we want without having to bother with
SQL, or the webmaster, or the webmaster's fee (although of course there
would be the cost of upgrading Access). the claim is that Access2002 is
more "flexible" than SQL, and that it will be easier for us to maintain.

i'm nervous .... and not convinced that Access2002 is the answer.
can anyone give me reasons (in simple terms please!) why i'm wrong to think
this proposed new plan is a Bad Idea ? 

i'm willing to BE convinced, but i need to hear it from someone far more
experienced and knowledgable on this topic than myself OR my esteemed
colleague :)

thanks,
vicki





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