>>It's been quite a while since I looked at Access and was hoping for some insight as to whether the old VFP is better than Access arguements hold up. i.e. Access more for smaller apps, VFP handles data faster and larger amounts, Access performance drops off as users and/or data size increases, etc.
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>>I have a potential client that has one Access app. Their company (users, money data,etc) has increased by over 5 times. I am suggesting future development be VFP or VFP/SQLServer based, which could access the existing Access data if needed, but they hope to continue with Access because they already have an app in Access.
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>>Confirmation to the above and any other reasons/arguements greatly appreciated.
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>Colin;
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>Other things to consider are Infrastructure – what computers, operating systems and network are used?
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>I have used many programming tools during my career. To me Access is a tool for office managers and personal to grab data and produce reports. I would do nothing serious with it. I have seen too many failures due to the expectations that Access could run your corporation, company or department.
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>There are many ways to write an Access program and all to many people allow others to change anything they want thus breaking the system for everyone. Then they call me to fix it. I am lucky as I did not write the programs I am asked to fix nor would I use Access to write a program.
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>I have programed in 14 different languages including Access and use what I am required to use by my the client or company I work for or if I am allowed to I will use what I consider to be "the right tool".
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>It is a good idea to have someone maintain an Access application. You have issues like data bloat, which should be maintained to a reasonable level. I have seen five users take an 8 meg file and end up with 18 meg at the end of the day.
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>A serious issue with Access is data corruption, which is not unusual as you increase users. Better plan for such an event.
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>VFP or SQL server data storage is faster than Access. VFP with a product like Stonefield Database Toolkit will give you a stable DBC and Tables. Even SQL Server can blow up but not often. Backup is the key to success with any databased application. VFP with a framework will allow you to write a professional application in the least amount of time.
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>In the real world using Access for a business application I have seen the system slow down as the number of users increases. There may be some great Access applications out there but I have never seen one I would bet my company on.
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>All that said if the only way you can get this work is to do it in Access you have two choices:
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>1. Take it.
>2. Walk away.
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>The choice is yours.
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>Tom

Thanks for all the points Tom. These will come in handy.