Running background jobs

[spikepl]

I need to collect data from an FTP-server. I can set up the FTP-thing myself, so my question is simply where/how to run it.

I have a split db with about 10 frontends. One machine is always on during working hours, for reasons related to Outlook and not related to Access. Unfortunately it is one of the slowest machines, and I cannot change that. Among the remainder it is unpredictable which one is on.

I need to read text files into the db from an FTP-server about every 15 minutes - perhaps 10 files in the first shot in the morning , and most likely zero or one on each subsequent read. Each file is max 30 lines.

I could run a separate access application in a scheduled task, or do it on a timer event in the front end on the one always-running machine. Or perhaps some other option ?

The office is manned by not very computer-savvy people, so whatever I choose must be as maintenance-free as possible, and as bother-free to the users as possible.

Any hints, comments, suggestions would be most appreciated.

 

[pbaldy]

You've noted the two methods I would have suggested. Of the two, I generally go with the Scheduled Task method, but every 15 minutes makes it borderline. I'd probably still go that way, so you didn't have to worry about somebody closing down the db by accident.

 

[spikepl]

Thanks for your points. From my point of view, I'd prefer not to proliferate applications, so as to ease my maintenance commitments, especially in case of changes.

From the user's point of view, I guess it's better not to bother his frontend and go for the Scheduled Task.

 

[gemma-the-husky]

can you spllit this.

get a ftp process to collect the files and stick them in a folder somewhere - you can add this to the scheduler

get your database to check the folder for new files every so often - eg with a timer on a form. that way you dont have to try and write code to get the dbs to access the ftp site.

easier set up, i would think. I do this in one app.

 

[spikepl]

Good idea.

I was going to modify and use this code: http://www.databasejournal.com/feat.../Simple-FTP-Methods-from-Microsoft-Access.htm
but of course if I have to start up an entire Access application from the Scheduler, then it is better just to run an FTP-session from a scheduled script.

 

[gemma-the-husky]

spike

do you HAVE a configurable ftp process available.

I would find one useful. What do you use?

 

[spikepl]

I have no idea When I visit my far-away customer, I can check what they have. I suspect they have nothing other than whatever was installed as default with Windows XP.

Do you have any specific hints? What do you mean by configurable FTP-process?

 

[gemma-the-husky]

in the example I quoted, a third party provided a little app, that sets up and executes an ftp script with the parameters and passwords for THEIR ftp site - which we configure, and then put in the scheduler

That was what I wondered. A nice way of executing an ftp script.

 

[spikepl]

Ah OK. I'll fiddle something, while looking at the code from the link in #5

 

[gemma-the-husky]

spike

no problem - i generate my own ftp scripts witihin access, but i wondered if there was a geenral tool

I had a look at the link myself, and will download the stuff, to see what it does.

Cheers.


[Edit - I have it now, I think it will be very useful]