Can a Microsoft Access Forms application be switched to work with a SQL back end?
migration, ms-access, sql-server
Solution
SQL Server upsizing is relatively easy to do although thorough testing is required. I'd estimate the effort at 5% to 10% of the initial system development. SQL Server upsizing is recommended in specific circumstances such as greater than 25 to 50 users or 24x7 access or difficulty/impossibility in rekeying data in the event of a corruption.
See my Random Thoughts on SQL Server Upsizing from Microsoft Access Tips page
There is a tool from the SQL Server group SQL Server Migration Assistant for Access (SSMA Access) which is a lot better than the upsizing wizard.
Problem
I was asked to provide an estimation to change a relatively small app designed with MS Access to use a SQL database. First, is this even possible? I never worked enough with Access, so I'd like to know. If it's possible can you please point me to some websites with tutorials regarding this? Second: if it's possible, is it recommended? Is it a big performance hit? Any specific do/donts that you can and want to share? Thanks in advance for your help.