Just a Thought

[JimmieC]

Since I'm new to Sql Server, I still have some fundamental questions I'm trying to resolve. I would like to build a database using Windows Forms as my front-end using VB2005, SQL Server 2005 Express as my back-end and then run reports with Access through OBDC. Is this good thinking or am I off the mark. My databases are report intensive and reporting seems to be an issue with SQL Server. Thanks for your response.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[SQL_Hell]

That sounds ok, but it really depends on how many users and how much data you have?
Remember to use sql server stored procedures and views rather than access queries for your report data sources.

What do you mean by reporting seems to be an issue in sql server?

 

[JimmieC]

Thanks for your response. I guess I'm spoiled from the simplicity of building and then running reports from within Access. Can I build reports from within VB2005 and run them from within VB2005, or do I have to build them within SQL Server and then access a web browser to run them? This is what I meant by reports being an issue with SQL Server. If I'm making the reporting entirely too difficult I would appreciate some experienced advice.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[tehNellie]

There's nothing analogus to Access' reporting tools within SQL server, but there's nothing to stop you using those in conjunction with SQL Server.

You can use a web front end, Visual Basic, whatever floats your boat really, but you're always going to be in a situation where SQL server is fetching your information and whatever front end you use is possibly doing some extra manipulation to that data and carrying out the presentation.

 

[JimmieC]

It seems there are only a few viable reporting options-Crystal Reports, SQL Reporting Services or Access. Then if one builds a VB assembly does this narrow the reporting options?

Jim