Re: Advice requested regarding Access database in Java

From: Bjorn Abelli (DoNotSpam.bjorn_abelli_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 02/24/04 

Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2004 17:23:07 +0100

"Lin DeNoyer" wrote...

> We have an Access database that is currently maintained
> through 3rd party software. The database contains files
> of scientific data. The 3rd party software adds files
> into the database, takes them out, processes the files.

It's not much of information you're giving us, as what the processing
actually does or what the design or contents of the data are.

> We will be moving this processing into Java.
> We are doing so because the 3rd party software
> is costly, and because it is no longer adequately
> maintained. The company was sold and we see the
> handwriting on the wall. Furthermore, we want to
> be able to allow students and other researchers
> easier access to the type of processing we do on
> this database.
>
> So question: Should we continue to have an
> Access database? Would something else make
> more sense?

Probably, if your Java-applications are to be the only ones to access the
data in the database.

But on the other hand, if there are situations where the users need more
"hands-on" on the contents of the database, Access could likely be what
they're used to, and hence it could be a point of continue to use it.

However, the information you've given us does not show how the database
actually is used, e.g.;

 - Will each student have his own copy of the
 database, or do all access one and the same
 system-DB over the network?

 - Does the application of today make use of
 any Access-specific functionality?

Since it's relatively simple to change what database you will be using as
the backend later on, my advice would be to start with Access for now, and
eventually change that to something more appropriate later if needed. In
that way you can use your existing applications as a direct reference.

my 2c

// Bjorn A

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