Help understanding Data Access Pages ???

[vangogh228]

I have a new customer who wants to share data with several other companies of the same type. I have worked with all but one in setting up Access databases for their client data. Now, they spring the idea on me to share the databases.... ULP!!

I have never used data access pages, I have read a little about them, but need some help understanding the concept. Also, I hear the terms "VPN," Virtual Private Network, and "ASP," Application Service Provider. I think I know what an ASP is for, but not sure how to set it up, and I understand little if anything about VPN.

What I am looking for here is any help in data access pages, first of all, and then to be pointed to any resources for ASP, especially, and VPN. ANY help is greatly appreciated. The Access books I have are woefully devoid of data access page information.

THANKS!!

Tom

 

[madhouse]

My first question would be where are these companies that want to share the database located? Are they all in the same building or are they in different cities/states etc?

 

[vangogh228]

madhouse: These are independent companies in different locations, located all in the same city and surrounding suburbs.

 

[Steven Deetz]

Data Access Pages can be viewed, and edited with anyone using Microsoft IE 5.0 or greater. You also need to have Microsoft IIS as a internet connected server for this to work.

I have never set up a Data Access Page before. But the Access newsletter SmartAccess has recently been devoting alot of time on this issue. The June 2002 cover article was dedicated to this issue. Every cover article during the month it is published is free to all web-site visitors. Since we are in July it probably is not free and you would have to subscribe to the newsletter.

I do not want to sound like a commercial or paid-advertiser, but the newsletter is of high quality. Usually the complexity and skill of the authors is way over my head.

Another idea is to share the Access application by sending data from one mdb to another over the internet using XML. Again, in SmartAccess, there is an example of how to do this in a past issues (November 2000, August 2001, July 2001, January 2002, and May 2002). If you want to visit the web site it is www.smartaccess.com.

Good Luck!

Steve

 

[hooi]

The correct website is: http://www.smartaccessnewsletter.com/

Thanks Steve.