Forum Discussion
Migrating Access back end to the cloud
- Do you want to run this relational database application as a web - browser based application, or as a desktop application?
I don't know which "guys in India" you mean, or what they recommend, but you really don't need a lot of other software packages if you are going to continue to use this as a desktop application. However, if you want to replace the Access interface with one that will operate in a web browser, you WILL have to invest in and learn to use the appropriate tools for that.
So, start by explaining who will actually use it, where they are physically located (in a single facility or dispersed among several) and how you anticipate using this relational database application. From there, we can examine some options.
In my opinion, the Power Apps were developed for large companies and corporations and can be used sensibly there.
For "small" brings but little.
I won't argue that at all. However, I do hope that Access Developers don't turn a blind eye on the opportunities they can present.
As for other options, like VPS, and things like Web APIs for CRUD operations against remote data source, I think that Access developers should also be investigating those options as well. Locking yourself into a single track usually leads to the end of the line.
But many better solutions fail (only) because developers don't even know them.
The current problem of direct database connection to the cloud (frontend local) is the (still) too slow DSL or radio connection.
Let's wait and see what the future brings and help shape it.
- Thanks for the great tips. I will check them out!
Go watch the YouTube videos of Juan's presentations to his AUG group. You are using MySQL, but the principles should be the same, even if the exact steps are different.
- I’ve created several blog posts and videos on how to optimize Microsoft Access with SQL Server, you can find a good collection here: AccessExperts.com/starthere in addition, consider joining an online group session at AccessUserGroups.org
- The MySQL backend is installed on a local computer in the office so everyone on the network can share data in real time. I am glad to hear the option is there so I will continue on the mission.
As a matter of fact, something very similar, although with some differences.
First, why MySQL? Where would this MySQL database be installed? It's possible to install it locally or to obtain a remotely hosted database? How do you plan to approach this?In the project I mentioned, we had a SQL Server Express database installed on the local network. Approximately a dozen workstations had Office installed. We used Access to import data into the SQL Server Express database from testing equipment in the lab. The testing equipment exported the raw data as csv files. I created import functions to bring that data into the SSE database via Access.
Then, after we normalized the data for long-term storage, using Access, the next step was to summarize the important results and export them to a remotely hosted SQL Server that provided data for their public-facing website. We used local linked tables and VBA functions to move the summary data. It is still running 10 years later, basically on that same model, although I retired a few years ago and no longer have access to the inside environment. I do know, however, that the website is identical to what it was then, so I have to assume the back end is essentially the same as well.In short, yes, the process is very doable. The devil is in the details of making it all work smoothly.
- I am considering changing from an Access backend to a MySQL backend and then setting up a Sync between my local MySQL backend and one located in my domain site. Once I have the data on my domain then I can use the data to populate the info onto a web page for viewing on any device. Has anyone tried doing this?
- I could also use it.
The performance is probably stolen from Netflix. " too slow DSL or radio connection."
That's another point which I, for one, can take for granted. Yesterday I received an offer from my internet service provider to upgrade to 1.2GB connections speeds at no increase in cost.
