Multiples users of one DB?

[Jason]

Is it possible for multiple users to access and update an
Access database at the same time without using SQL? For
example, having a help desk databse on a network attached
storage device and having the help desk team update and
create support tickets simultaneously?

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

Yes, ms-access naturally is a multi user system, and can share data on a
network, and what is quite amazing is that no database server is required.

There is a increased risk to the data when running such a system. You need
very stable pc's, and a good proper office install (all the updates and
service packs installed).

You also will develop the application as a split database.

You can read about splitting at the following:

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/splitapp.htm

http://www.microsoft.com/accessdev/articles/bapp97/chapters/ba15_3.htm

There is limits as to the number of users and the reliability of such a
system, but for small work groups in the 1 to 20 user range, ms-access most
certainly useable, and is a multi user ready system. In fact, this is the
most common way that access is used.

 

[GD]

YES,

Access is a multi-user application. You can have more
than one user open the same .mdb at the same time. You
won't have any problems unless you have two people trying
to update the same record at the same time.

GD

 

[Larry Linson]

Is it possible for multiple users to
access and update an Access data-
base at the same time without using
SQL? For example, having a help desk
databse on a network attached storage
device and having the help desk team
update and create support tickets
simultaneously?

There's an introductory presentation on Access in a Multiuser Environment
that I did for my user group that you can download from
http://appdevissues.tripod.com. It will identify topics that I thought
worthwhile to discuss, and a bit more. The best collection of detailed
information and links on the subject of Access in the multiuser environment
is at MVP Tony Toews' site, http://www.granite.ab.ca/accsmstr.htm, as Albert
mentioned.

Larry Linson
Microsoft Access MVP