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DIY 'Database'

Baby4

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Fysh

I haven't dealt with this sort of thing much, but my first instinct is that for reliable multi-user database access you want to set up a server on a private network, install mysql or similar, and create the database (and interfaces) on that system for your usage requirements.

However, that's a lot of work - especially if you don't have the required expertise in-house or on retainer.

So you could instead try to do something simpler and see how you get on with it; if nothing else, it's less time to set up. Have a look at this thread about how to create a network-accessible multi-user database.

Things to bear in mind - if you want off-site staff to be able to access it, you're looking at either:
a) creating & installing a VPN service, then making them use that to get access to your work-only network, or
b) making this database accessible to the entire world (ie asking for trouble of all sorts).

My advice is to work on getting something that you can use within the company network, and then decide on whether to expand availability to offsite users once you've tried it out internally.

gctest50

Baby4 wrote: »

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If it is just a "multi-user" Excel type of thing you need for now :

http://www.docs.google.com/

You will have that going in a very short while.

Then start planning for the future - i hope it takes off for you
.

Fysh

gctest50 wrote: »

If it is just a "multi-user" Excel type of thing you need for now :

http://www.docs.google.com/

You will have that going in a very short while.

Then start planning for the future - i hope it takes off for you
.

The only thing I would advise if using Google Docs/Drive for work purposes is to investigate any obligations you may have within your workplace as regards Data Protection; there can sometimes be issues with Google's lack of ability to guarantee adherence to EU Data Protection standards. It's much better to discover this before uploading a load of commercially-sensitive information...

homer911

If you go with MS Access, this is an excellent little article on implenting auditing of the database (who/what/when) - will save you endless grief when things go wrong!

http://www.fontstuff.com/access/acctut21.htm

Sean^DCT4

Fysh wrote: »

Things to bear in mind - if you want off-site staff to be able to access it, you're looking at either:
a) creating & installing a VPN service, then making them use that to get access to your work-only network, or
b) making this database accessible to the entire world (ie asking for trouble of all sorts).

It's not the only option.. If the OP would consider not having it on the internal network..

What about creating an Amazon AWS or Windows Azure virtual machine and have the database running in the cloud. You can also restrict the access by IP (if the users have fixed IPs).

Fysh

Sean^DCT4 wrote: »

It's not the only option.. If the OP would consider not having it on the internal network..

What about creating an Amazon AWS or Windows Azure virtual machine and have the database running in the cloud. You can also restrict the access by IP (if the users have fixed IPs).

A fair point to make, hadn't thought of that

I'm somewhat wary of cloud services provided by US-based companies though, because their data protection standards tend to be unimpressive compared to the EU standard offering and downright useless if you're talking about eg confidential medical information...

Cork24

MySQL is free
http://www.mysql.com/

you install the Server on one computer open up CMD on the computer and populate your tables

on the Other computers they just need a Client or they can use Putty to connect to the SQL Server and edit or delete what they like

if you wish you can install a LAMP Server on your computer with the likes of wamp, which would have Apache webserver, MySQL, php and PHP myAdmin

Fysh

Cork24 wrote: »

MySQL is free
http://www.mysql.com/

you install the Server on one computer open up CMD on the computer and populate your tables

on the Other computers they just need a Client or they can use Putty to connect to the SQL Server and edit or delete what they like

if you wish you can install a LAMP Server on your computer with the likes of wamp, which would have Apache webserver, MySQL, php and PHP myAdmin

A MySQL installation opened up to the internet at large and configured/maintained by someone without the resources or expertise to adequately secure it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen

I understand where you're coming from, but given the apparent requirement of off-site access, an implementation like this shouldn't be undertaken without first spending a bit of time learning about the security risks and investigating whether there is budget available to get it done professionally.

slimjimmc

Baby4 wrote: »

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Just pointing out that Excel can be accessed by multiple users, even since v2003 and still available in v2013. You have to "share" the workbook, check the help for your version. It's intended as a collaboration feature, but it's reasonably ok for a small number of users who don't require instant updates.