DSX Access Systems, Inc.

When to use WinDSX SQL

When to use WinDSX SQL Software

So now that we know what SQL Server is and how it is better, when do we need to use it? There are a few things that should be examined that will help you make the judgment call.

If there will be any workstations that will be attaching to the database through a WAN connection then you should definitely use SQL. A WAN connection would be any connection that is not at least 10 Mbit. An example would be that the network between two buildings is connected via a T1 line. The computers in the building that have to go through the T1 line would be considered on a WAN. The reason we would use SQL in this situation is that the WAN connection is slower and inherently more prone to errors. In the Microsoft Access database version of our software this would expose the database to a much higher potential risk of corruption.

If the network within a building (LAN) were not reliable then you would also want to use SQL Server. The reasons for this are the same as above. In order for an Access database to function well we require a very reliable link between the workstations and the file server.

If the customer wants to keep a lot of history on hand you should use SQL Server. It can manage very large database files and may allow a customer to keep years of history on line. This versus Access where the history log files must be archived regularly (monthly) to prevent them from getting to large.

If the customer is going to have a large population of Cardholders or is going to be making extensive changes to the database on a daily basis you should use SQL Server.

In a lot of cases the customers will ask for the SQL Server version if you let them know that it is available and that it provides a higher degree of security and reliability. It is a judgment call as to when to use it, but these are some good guidelines. Examine the needs of the customer and pick the product that fits the site.

Remember to use SQL Server there must be a minimum of two PCs or computers. One PC is used to run the Microsoft SQL Server™ and one for the WinDSX SQL Communications Server. The WinDSX Communications Server cannot run on the same PC as Microsoft SQL Server™.