[RESOLVED] MS Access 2000/2002/2003/2007 VS Oracle Database 10g XE

Just need more insights between these two database since they are my only options for now.

So my question is which one is better...

Scenario: The system that i'm planning to develop is only for a small type business. Around 4 users / 4 pc / 1 pc would be where the database is installed. The other pc/ clients will just connect to the server pc.

ORACLE
PROs
I went to the oracle site and found out that Oracle Database 10g XE is a free database and can be used for small type business with no extra charge. Although it has limitations as expected from a free product.
CONs
Seems more difficult to use.

MS ACCESS
PROs
Seems easier to use.
CONs
Not sure if it has a free database download.

Please help.. THanks!

There should not be a single doubt in your mind about what to choose - Oracle all the way.
There are no cons - only pros regardless the limitations...

Just imagine your client business grows and they will need to expand database - migrating from Access to whatever could be a nightmare.
Migrating limited edition Oracle to full product [Oracle] will be a breeze.

Good luck.

Yes, Oracle is a more rhobust system but since you are needing it for such a small project either could work well. Both are free if you consider that Access does have a free trial version that is the same as the paid version, just time limited. Then deployment is easier with Access too. But if you start with Access and need to upgrade to Oracle it would mean more work for you which is more $ Having Oracle for 4 users is overkill especially when you consider its costs for the non-free version.

Have you considered MSDE? Its free and its the engine that runs MS SQL Server.

Oracle.
+ Bloody good db
+ free (in certain instances)
- difficult to set up
- overkill
- no front end??

Access
+ bought with office
+ simple, easy to use
+ store mdb file in a read/write folder in a shared area
+ built in front end
- upgrading at a later date
- sometimes slow - depends on how much data you are using
- may need licences for each user


Depends what you know, how much you know, whetehr you can use VB / VB.Net front end. Or perhaps a web front end? ASP or PHP some connection strings either will do.


Personally, 4 people, I'd do a db in access. Its flexible enough you can change as the business changes. When you get toward 8 or more people, then consider upgrading.

If you use VB.Net front end, use Access initially or Sql server (again check if its free/costs to set up etc.) if you know Sql server then use that. Go with what you know. Or what the company are willing to train you in ;)

There is a front end to the oracle DB, it is called SQL Devloper a free download from Oracle.

Currently I'm against using Access for any project I'm working on. I have had to many people tell me that they want the database secured and I hate the security in Access (especially when using CR as the reporting tool). For all ll systems I would concider Oracle or SQL Sever varities.

Lol true

Hmm sql developer is ok for sql statements - but not for users (unless I wasn't shown the true potential).

Can you do user forms in Sql Developer? or just insert/update statements

No use statements. Forms need to be developed using OracleForms (if you want a complete Oracle solutuion). I use VB for all the forms and CR for reporting (there is also OracleReports again if you want a complete Oracle solutuion).

SQL Devloper also has the abiltiy to modify tables, index and what not without using SQL statements by a grid type view also.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GaryMazzone

There is a front end to the oracle DB, it is called SQL Devloper a free download from Oracle...

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Yes, there is. However I find it to be very cumbersome and user unfriendly.
Database is superior and probably is the BEST but anything beyond that (including the enterprise manager) isn't something I would recommend to anyone.
SQL Navigator or TOAD are much better tools to work with Oracle database.

True I normally use TOAD but the SQL Navagtor is free and can do what he asked.

As you could imagine I'm going to suggest MS SQL Server Express edition ;)

T-SQL has one less letter than PL/SQL :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by szlamany

As you could imagine I'm going to suggest MS SQL Server Express edition ;)

T-SQL has one less letter than PL/SQL :D

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Heh... But nothing is as solid as Oracle DB - not even SQL 2005 full version. :D

But if you look at the scop of the use of the proposed database you will see tha all the best dbs are going to be overkill. So its basically which you can get into easiest and that can justify the expense. Or if you choose to use some restraint you will want to go with Access if you dont need a front end for your users. Only districute MDAC and the mdb file. For security, just use workgroup security as its the best for an Access database.

thanks for the comments and suggestions.. i've just made oracle 10g my first choice but this may still depend on the clients request... but i'll recommend oracle for sure.