Synchronise Ms Access 2003 With Sql

[mazza]

I need to some advise on which is the best course of action.

I have a MS database with an SQL back end as a client server application.

Now the next step is to give stand alone versions (with a mdb back end) to off-site laptop users, to make updates or entries when not connected to the office network.
Hwr upon returning to the office or when connected on-line through a VPN connection, I would like the databases to synchronise.

I tried exploring the replication options in access but that doesn't seem to work.

What advise and or softwar tips could one offer me.

(ps .net web application is not an option yet as this means a complete revamp of the program, with no .net knowledge available yet)

Thanks for any assistance

 

[dfenton]

I tried exploring the replication options in access but that doesn't seem to work.

An MDB can participate as a subscriber to a SQL Server replicated database. This is called heterogeneous replication, because it mixes Jet and SQL Server. I've never done it, but have always been intrigued by the possibilities. It would make distribution to laptops easier, as SQL Server would not need to be installed in addition to Access.

If I were in your position, I'd use either SQL Server replication on all instances of the database, or heterogeneous replication.