>>>> The dlls and exe file are a few meg in size and are nothing compared to the hundreds of megabytes of data they pull out of our systems.<<
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>>That is one of the reasons we always use SQL Server as the data store..
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>Our apps dont need SQL either. Most of the data is for reading and analysis on the local w/s, either in our apps or in MS Office apps. Performance is simply awesome. I think each app has its specific requirements and best solutions. When you are accessing a 100+ mg file the exe and dll size are not an issue. The data is accessed and cached locally. Fast networks, fast workstations, no problem.

Wanted to add; the total database is 2-3 Gb with individual files of 100+Mg. Under this scenario the transfer of exe and dlls over the network is not an issue.