From Access to SQL Server [Paperback]

Russell Sinclair (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2000

In 1992 Microsoft released the first version of a product called Microsoft Access which has become the de facto desktop database for software development. The application caught on not only as a database tool but also as a development environment. However, Access is not without its flaws, and developers have found that their Access database quickly reaches its limit with regard to the number of users and quantity of information it can handle. As a result, many developers are choosing to move their databases from Access to SQL Server.
The process of migrating a database from Access to SQL Server is fraught with problems and "pitfalls" that many developers do not expect. In this book, Russell Sinclair explores the methodology behind this type of database migration and teaches developers what they need to know to successfully complete such a project.
Note that while Microsoft does provide simple tools for this type of migration and some documentation for simple transitions, these are quite insufficient for a successful migration of any complex system that would be encountered in the real world. Most migrations from Access to SQL Server fail due to a lack of understanding as to the differences between the two systems and also how Microsoft Access front ends talk to SQL Server.
About the author:
Russell Sinclair is a senior programmer with Questica Inc., a company specializing in software for the customized machinery manufacturing industry. He is a frequent contributor to "Smart Access" and has extensive development experience in Access and SQL Server.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Russell Sinclair is an MSCD and the owner of Synthesystems, a technology consulting firm specializing in Visual Basic, SQL Server, and Microsoft Access development. Russell is the senior systems architect with Questica, Inc., a company specializing in software for custom-design manufacturers, and a contributing editor for Smart Access. In addition, he has extensive experience in Access and SQL Server development.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Apress; 1 edition (September 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893115240
• ISBN-13: 978-1893115248
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #198,258 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #32 in Books > Computers & Technology > Databases > Relational Databases

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, Answers, September 27, 2000

By 

Cynthia (Round Rock, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Access to SQL Server (Paperback)

I manage a group of "non-programmers" who do Access programming for a living. A couple months ago we were handed a SQL server in anticipation of moving our incredibly complex Access databases on to SQL. No instructions, no guidance, nothing. I started looking for any references but could not find any thing. When I saw the title of this book, From Access to SQL Server, I thought I might be on to something. After receiving the book I knew I made the right decision.

This book is laid out in an easy to read and understand format. Assumptions are made that the reader has a clue and actually does know how to open a file. This is not a dummy-idiot book; I didn't feel that I was wasting my time searching through things that were completely redundant.

Helpful items are the screen shots and conversion suggestions or warnings. I really feel that with this reference tool we will be able to accomplish the task given us.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good intro from XS to SQL but outdated!, May 18, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: From Access to SQL Server (Paperback)

The book deals mostly with SQL Server 6.5 and 7.0 and two chapters are dedicated solely for running these two systems. If you're interested in SQL Server 2000 and MS Access 2000 I recommend SAMS MS Access Developer's Guide to SQL Server or a similar book.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't migrate to SQL Server without this book!, December 6, 2000

By 

"peterinpattaya" (Thailand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Access to SQL Server (Paperback)

This is a great book in that it targets a specific need, and fills it.

After developing in Access and programming with VBA for four years I thought I could handle moving to SQL Server without a great deal of assistance. Not true. There are lots of things different - lots of 'gotchas' that exist in SQL Server as do in every development environment. Learning them through trial and error is not a pleasant experience. This book help you avoid dead ends and move your project to completion as painlessly as possible.

In particular I appreciated the help with the decision to use ODBC or an Access project and how to approach stored procedures and use them to best advantage.

Rarely have I come across a book where just about every paragraph, no every sentence - contains useful information. This one does. It makes for kind of a dry writing style, but if you can picture having a highly experienced expert at your shoulder as you migrate your database from Access to SQL Server, whispering tips at the appropriate times, then you will know what this book can do for you.