I think if you begin to get past 20+ users, you need to look at SQL-Server. Of course, if you have 5 users, but you have certain requirements, you may need to go to SQL out of the gate.

MSDE is a SQL-Server compatible engine. The combination of Access/MSDE provides the best migration path to SQL-Server. Despite what some folks will tell you, MSDE is not SQL Server. MSDE is optimized for 5 users. However, you can realistically support 7-8 users. After that, you are toast.

MSDE is a great engine for app-specific work. In other words, I may have an app that needs to do some local processing. MSDE is great for that. I have an app that uses MSDE locally, and at the same time, acts on a SQL Server database.

I don't see MSDE as a substitute for SQL-Server. Rather, I see it as complimentary. It is a great local engine. And IMO, for the most part, is superior to both Jet and DBF's.


>In your experience, what is a reasonble user limit of Jet/MSDE before you recommend an app moving to SQL Server? Also, MSDE is new to Access 2000, correct? Is it a separate entity that Jet, or just a newer version of the engine? I really do not know Access/Jet at all so I am curious.