Creating database

jimnewman75jimnewman75 subscriber Posts: 8
edited March 2008 in Accounting and Financial Management
We`re creating an in-house database using MS Access that needs to be "access"-ible (play on words, haha) remotely by ourselves and staff for the purpose of retrieving client data, vendor profiles, and other documents that are necessary to our line of business.  Does anyone know of any online site that will house all forms of files, that is, .pdf .doc. mdb, .xls, .ppt, etc etc etc?  My other option is to buy a server, but I`m not sure how to implement it.
 
The most important issues is security since we will store client personal information and billing records.
 
Many thanks,
Jim Newman
Concierge of Charlotte, LLC

www.ConciergeofCharlotte.com
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Comments

  • alaskabearalaskabear subscriber Posts: 0
    Jim,
     
    It sounds like a hosted Sharepoint site might fit you bill.  Here`s one vendor to take a look at http://www.sharepointhosting.com but there are plenty more.
     
    John
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  • forbeshathawayforbeshathaway subscriber Posts: 1
    I use www.sharepointhosting.com and it works quite well.  I have been very impressed with the capability.  I could check out this vendor.
    Hope this helps.  Alexis
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  • jimnewman75jimnewman75 subscriber Posts: 8
    Very interesting -- but will it support MS Access files?  We currently have files uploaded to Microsoft Office Live, but they only allow files such as .doc and .xls (no support provided for .mdb).
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  • NuevolutionNuevolution subscriber Posts: 30 Bronze Level Member
    If you`re creating an in-house database, and you want to share with all your employees, wouldn`t it be beneficial to create an online tool for your business? Remember, that web hosting is not only used for web sites, if you add an SSL to your site, you can create an online employee portal where everyone needs a password to log into the site.
    The other way around it is to purchase a server, install Access on the server and just give access to everyone that wants to log in. all they have to do is create a link to the Database through their computer.
    But if you want to work remotely then having an online application would be your best bet.
    or do it the easy way use sugarCRM. for that.
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  • alaskabearalaskabear subscriber Posts: 0
    Jim,
     
     According to thier web site it will work with access.  See http://www.sharepointhosting.com/sharep ... tures.html
     
    John
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  • NuevolutionNuevolution subscriber Posts: 30 Bronze Level Member
    Fist of all why use access when there are more robust solutions out there that he can benefit from.
    From my own personal experience, Access become unstable after the 12,000 record. I am assuming they want room for growth. Why not go with MYSQL and php and use an out of the box [open source] solution that will be cost effective and most of all it`s free.
    Plus you can upload just about any type of file he wishes..
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  • VideographyVideography subscriber Posts: 401 Silver Level Member
    All of my sites are hosted at GoDaddy and every hosted site can use MySQL and PHP (at no extra charge) that you can host your database on.  They are always adding applications available to their customers and their online instructions are pretty good, too.
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  • jimnewman75jimnewman75 subscriber Posts: 8
    Nevolution -- yes, definitely want a database that is scaleable, but since we`re developing it in-house, I must admit that our IT skills are limited.  So when it comes to MYSQL and php development, we`re pretty much in the dark (unless we hire a specialist).  How complicated is open source?
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  • NuevolutionNuevolution subscriber Posts: 30 Bronze Level Member
    You have products like SugarCRM that you can have someone install on your hosting server. All you need is an SSL Certificate. You might want to click on this link
    See if this Open Source project might be able to help your business needs. Other than that if you don`t want to go that route and feel like Sugar CRM is not for you, there are other Open Source Options that you can find out there that might take the stress off of having to build an in-house project.
    Think of MS Access as Excel on steroids.
    Have you ever thought about hiring someone to help you with your project? It might not be to your best convenience to have it built in house, especially if you run into a software bug.
    Visit the demo that I sent you and see if that works for you, I can help you install it on your web server if you wish.. and if you decide to go this route, please avoid Godaddy you`re going to need a robust web server for this, not a "my first web site" hosting plan. Godaddy reminds me of "my first sony" or "my first rattle"..
    Let me know if that Open Source software meets your needs, if not I can research others for you.
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  • jimnewman75jimnewman75 subscriber Posts: 8
    SugarCRM is quite impressive -- plenty of functionality and collaborative & reporting tools ... but $40/month/user is a bit on the hefty side for our operations.  We`re looking for something on the same level, but at a lower cost.  I`m not too familiar with setting up and maintaing a server, but what is the typical cost be for purchasing a server and installing CRM software such as ACT! by Sage?   
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  • NuevolutionNuevolution subscriber Posts: 30 Bronze Level Member
    Well it all depends on how much you are willing to spend. you can get a Windows Small Business Server for $750.00 plus ACT for another what is it, $400.00 or so? If you really look at the price for Sugar CRM it`s not bad. It`s $480.00 per year.
    While a server gets very expensive. You would have to hire a technical person IT to go along with it.
    Having your own server would run you close to $4,000.00 just to get started. In compare to $480.00. Once you purchase a server you have to worry about a firewalls, Routers, wiring, back ups, mapping the server, and other resources.
    If you`re concerned about prices... Go with SugarCRM, they handle all the upates, and technical end of it.
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  • saravanansaravanan subscriber Posts: 389 Silver Level Member
    If you just want to build a database, you will 1st need a platform. Access from Microsoft will do it, as will MsSQL
    Copper Slag Manufacturer in India
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