I strongly disagree with the statement that Access was never intended for
serious database application.  perhaps not for huge enterprise applications,
sure.  But Access is a VERY powerful databases for what it is, a desktop
application comparable to Foxpro or Paradox.( i actually think it's better
than Paradox).  In fact,  I currently have a mission critical application
built entirely in Access that is serving offices in the US and th UK
simultaneously.  This includes highly active, remote/traveling users with
laptops.  It has over 40 queries,  tons of code,  dynamic reports,  a
miniature messaging system.  the list goes on and so does the database.
So, while Access may be a bit daunting to some, and not enough for huge shops,
it  is certainly ready and willing to stand up to many tasks.  It's no server
side rdbms but it's a fine product.(pardon)

Gary Acord
Acord Information Management
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-----Original Message-----
From:   Museum discussion list  On Behalf Of Harry Needham (Tel 776-8612)
Sent:   Friday, August 22, 1997 3:27 AM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Re: Forget MS Access

I agree.

MS Access was NEVER intended for serious database applications. If you do not
want to use a commercially available collections management package, I suggest
building your own, using an industry standard such as Paradox or Foxpro. (I
prefer the latter, as, at least in my limited experience, the statistical and
other programs you might want to use with it are more directly linkable - but
I
may be incorrect in this.

It is not at all hard to build and design the basic data base. and if you want
to have classy custom input or report forms and don't want to do these
yourself, it is not hard to find a contractor to do them for you - at
reasonable cost.

Harry Needham
Canadian War Museum