Date: 06/20/05 (MySQL Communtiy)    Keywords: mysql, database, sql, microsoft

Ok see if you can wrap your head around this.. I've been hired as a contractor by this company that wants to A: Network all their computers, and B: Have all their customer data/information available to all employees on a database that can be easily read and updated.

I figured I had 2 options: Microsoft Access and MySQL. With Access, its a relatively easy interface to use and their database needs aren't very great, but I run into problems with sharing the database and its integrity (I've read that sharing an Access DB on a network is a big no-no) and redundant data. I've read about SPLITTING the database, but I don't know if that allows for easy updating of the database.

MySQL appears to be a powerful option that will allow for numerous concurrent users and seems to allow for easy data entry/updating without jeopardizing the integrity of the DB. On teh downside though, I know VERY little about how MySQL works, not to mention that I can't seem to find a decent user-frontend available to download and install on all the client machines so they can update/query the db themselves. I'm a decent programmer, but I don't know if I want to tell these guys that I'd have to WRITE my own frontend for them to use, especially since I don't think I'd be able to provide proper support for them..

So given all of this, what would u all suggest I do? I know you guys are probably more partial towards mySQL, but I don't want to put this company at risk just so I can do a test run of mySQL and how it works. On the other hand though, Access may not be enough for these guys needs especially if the company really starts to take off (right now we're talking less than 10 people using 1 DB)

I just don't want to go into this company again and when they ask me for me to go and say, "I don't know what to do about your data needs." I'd at least like to have a realistic view of our options.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/mysql/60190.html