Laptop computers to update data in BE

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Guest

I currently have a FE and BE on a network at my office. some of us have
laptop computers that we want to be able to have both the FE and BE on the
laptop and be able to update the data in the field. When we return from the
field, the data would automaticly update the BE on the network without losing
any data.

So... I know this is an easy question, but Im stuck.. thanks
 
Hi Kevin,

It's not an easy question, actually.

Probably Access's built-in Replication feature will do what you need,
but it's not a step to be taken lightly. Research it carefully and make
sure that (a) you understand its capabilities and limitations, (b) that
it is compatible with your needs and (c) that your organisation will be
able to manage the (not irksome) procedures involved.
 
I currently have a FE and BE on a network at my office. some of
us have laptop computers that we want to be able to have both the
FE and BE on the laptop and be able to update the data in the
field. When we return from the field, the data would automaticly
update the BE on the network without losing any data.

So... I know this is an easy question, but Im stuck.. thanks
Click to expand...

Jet replication works beautifully in this scenario if properly
implemented. There are issues that you have to deal with when
replicating an existing database that wouldn't be a problem. For
instance, if you're exposing any autonumbers to your users, and
expecting them to be sequential (with gaps), then you will have a
problem (and no simple solution). There are also schema issues (such
as circular relationships) that can cause real problems propagating
deletes. You also have to have a strategy for resolving potential
editing conflicts, and the applications that work best with
replication are those where the data records are added in multiple
and seldome edited in more than one location.

In a laptop situation where the users come back into the office and
reconnect to the LAN, simple direct replication will be sufficient.
If you want to synch with the mother ship in the field over the
Internet, it becomes substantially more complex and is definitely
not trivial.

Browse through microsoft.public.access.replication on Google Groups
and you'll see what kind of problems people have had. I have also
started a Jet Replication Wiki here:

http://www.dfenton.com/DFA/Replication

You might want to browse through the list of resources cited on the
front page there.
 
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