Databases

 Microsoft Access

The Jet database format is the backbone of Microsoft Access which is used by many small and medium sized businesses in the UK. Access is readily available with Microsoft‘s XP and Vista Pro packages and compared to other alternatives it is extremely well priced. The Access framework provides easy configuration of tables, forms, queries, reports, macros and allows scripting to produce mini custom programs. This application is ideal for most businesses that store and manipulate reasonable amounts of data (less than 200K records) and has no more than 5 concurrent users. Many web hosting providers now support Access databases so your eCommerce website could also use an Access database which would allow easy synchronisation of data between your office and internet systems. For larger databases and applications supplied to a client, VB.Net can be used to program mini applications which manipulate the Access database, where these applications provide greater speed and cannot be recoded by the user and so are secure.

 SQL And mySQL

SQL and it‘s offspring mySQL are probably the most flexible formats and can be used for a wide range of databases from very small applications, up to those exceeding one million records. Both formats are widely supported by a large number of Database Management Systems (DBMS), provide multi-user support and are exceptionally quick, making them suitable for internet and intranet applications where information is shared concurrently with many users. SQL and mySQL are supported by many web service providers and when combined with their speed makes them popular choices for website developers when designing eCommerce sites.

Oracle

Oracle is a top-end database suitable for extremely large data quantities and distributed networks. Whilst extremely powerful Oracle in comparison to the previous products is expensive to develop, install and maintain, and is therefore best suited to large applications using at least one dedicated database server. Whilst Oracle can be used as a website database the lack support by most service providers means that this is not usually possible. The best use for this type of database would be over a distributed local network, handling large volumes of information, such as the Stock Exchange or a call centre.

Other Databases And Data Migration

At Design Atom we have a wide range of experience and are proficient with other databases such as FileMaker, DB2, Paradox, Lotus and spreadsheets like Excel. We also have experience in migrating data to new databases of the same or different format. If you are looking for modifications to your existing database or require a new database and want existing data imported into it, from whatever form, then contact us with your requirements.

Interfaces

Databases provide a means to store and retrieve information but this is little use without a friendly user interface (DBMS) to input data and retrieve reports. Desktop applications such as Access allow the development of Forms and Reports to manage and manipulate the information stored. Alternatively VB.Net can be used to develop a user interface which provides improved security and speed. Server based databases require scripts, such as ASP or PHP, to manage information and then pass the results to web pages for display to the user.

Find Out More

If you are looking for a new database, changes to your existing database, or you require any other aspect of software design then we can certainly help you. To find out more use the "Quick Links" to the right or Contact Us with your requirements.

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