DB access on a LAN; ideas and suggestions?

[ShepherdOfChaos]

In the next couple of months, I'm going to have the opportunity to write some management software for the maintenance department where I work. What I want to do is have a main database on a local area network consisting of 4 to 5 machines running Windows NT 4.0. Then have VB user interfaces to enter dept. forms and spit out reports.

My main problem is I'm just now learning about database stuff with VB, and have no idea what the issues and complications are likely to be. And I have no experience at all with LAN's or Windows NT. If anyone can give some information on these topics, maybe just point me in the right direction to what I need to know, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

[jbuck]

Hi,
I've done it with ADO and Access97. First you must have database on a shared drive and the useres have to have read/write access to it and you must have that drive mapped on each computer. In your VB program you must set your data enviroment to point to that dbase. Make sure that that within your data properties that share/deny none it set and read writes is check.
Bye,
Jim

[lychew]

I would recommend you to do it as webbase cause it'll be more accessible and scalable. If your company is willing, you can take this chance to learn ASP or even Java Servlet as well.

[ShepherdOfChaos]

I like the web base idea. I think I know what you're referring to. Unfortunately, however, I'll be lucky if I can persuade the company to let go of some used 200mhz Pentiums for the project. It's that ridiculous mentality of pinching a dollar for every penny (while the lack of far-sighted organization is costing you thousands!). I'm pretty sure that whatever I put in place will still be there (hopefully after I'm long gone) in 5-10 years when the company moves into a new warehousing facility.

Resourcewise, I'm pretty much stuck with VB 5.0 PRO. So, if I can get away with it, and this is part of the things I'm not sure about, I will just use VB's data control and DAO.

JBuck's post gives me some idea how you go about putting a database on a network. Any other specific info along these lines would definitely help.

[jbuck]

Hi,
When you start doing it get a hold of me and I'll help you with any problems. I did once with DAO, once I overcame te learning curve I only use ADO now. But Uncle Bill (sic) has burned me about everyway imaginable. jbuck@muscanet.com
Bye,
Jim

Hello,

I've started working on a similar project myself. I'm building a three tier app for:

Customer entry/editing
Quote's
Order entry & tracking
Inventory entry/tracking
General Accounting

I'm using VB to build the app with a Access Database, and a Novell Box. I would like to use NT but that's not in the picture.

I'm going to suggest you take a look at the information on this website:

http://www.insteptech.com

You will find some interesting information there.

Best