Need to become SQL dba

[mdjks]

I am developing an Access (2000) database to provide reporting data gathered from SAP and make it easily accessable for 12 analysts. The data set is HUGE, 5 months nearly a gig and will need at least 2 years worth, so I don't see any option other than using SQL as a back end. I have experiance using SQL server as the back end but have never had to develop my own server.

I do not have access to an existing server but do have permission to purchase SQL software, this is where I need the help. If anyone has suggestions, advice, links or other information I would be greatly appreciative.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[mdjks]

A lot of you have been reading this but no help. Did I use a poor title? I have used SQL as a back end but really need to know how to produce one out of thin air.

I ordered SQL 2005 off my company's IT store but when reading further it needs a special operating system, I think. Is this true? What do I need to have in order to provide a very large data set to a bunch of barely computer literate analysts?

These people are excited when they realize that vlookup can do more than one thing!! The concept of a union query would blow them away. I am frustrated with the competency of my co-workers but need to give them something that is idiot proof without letting them know that this is the object.

Currently they are having an SAP download sent to a specified share drive and running an Excel “macro”, moves a couple of columns an such, that puts it into a format that is semi-usable. This is totally inefficient for their needs but they don’t know it as yet.

What I am asking is how to take a fairly robust pc and make it a SQL server that will service a dozen or so people. What kind of operating system is needed and what sort of admin rights will be necessary to allow access to the desktop so they can get their data?

The IT help desk is very scary, not really understanding the requests presented. I haven’t been with the company very long but what I have garnered disturbs me I don’t believe the IT people have a clue.

I’ve been an Access developer for about 4 years now and know this is not an insurmountable obstacle. I am confident that SQL is the solution but haven’t ever had to create it from scratch before. Please, links or other suggestions are MOST appreciated.

 

[hooks]

Im no expert but i believe that SQL Server can run on just about any OS. I know that it works on Windows Server 2000 - 2003 and XP Pro.

Making databases and table in SQL server is pretty easy to figure out. Just right click and create new database.

Hooks

 

[Banana]

Also... You might want to take a look at this...

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=237980]Converting Access to SQL. I don't know if this is something that you would find helpful, but at least thought you would want to at least know it's an option.

 

[mdjks]

Thank you for your responses. I may be making a mountain out of a mole hill but I'm a bit intimidated. I don't want to end up with egg on my face by ordering the wrong product or not being able to deploy the finished product appropriatly.

 

[SQL_Hell]

Hi,

If you want to install on a PC rather than a server, you will still need a server operating system like win2003 server for example otherwise it will only install the client tools. This applies to SQL server 2000/2005 standard edition.

You could use sql server express but that only has a limit of 4gb per database.

in terms of admin right for your users, you will just need to add their domain accounts as sql server logins and assign them permissions to tables,sp's and views on your database

 

[mdjks]

Thanks, I will see what I can get