How to Decide on a Front End Database Solution
- 1). Determine the cost of the software. Include the price of licensing, support and future modifications. Licensing agreements come in a variety of styles. A site license generally covers one physical location. A seat license allows for the use of the software on one computer. Support contracts from some vendors can exceed the price of initial licensing.
- 2). Determine the compatibility of the front-end application with the database engine. This is critical with a database application that has already been designed and installed. Not all front-end applications will support the full SQL instruction sets available with advanced database software.
- 3). Determine the cost or benefit of access to the source code. Many preprogrammed front-end database applications are available for specialized businesses. Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software packages are available for rapid business integration. These packages usually contain proprietary code and require the end-user to have any program modifications performed by the vendor. More modest applications can be developed with relatively simple programs like Microsoft Access or even spreadsheet applications. The decision to use custom programming should be made with consideration as to the availability and reliability of competent programmers.
- 4). Consider the track record of the front-end software. Large-scale implementations should avoid any software in the beta or 1.0 development phase. Most software works well when it is used by programmers. End-users are adept at finding flaws that may prove problematic in a production setting.
- 5). Survey the opinions of individuals and companies currently using any solution being considered. Complete satisfaction with any solution is rare. Occasional complaints are normal. Repeated concerns with a number of installations should be carefully investigated before committing to a decision.
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