Database Executable

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I need to build a database that imports data stored in XML files, allows for user input via forms, and prints reports.

Ideally I would like to ‘compile’ the database into an executable file so that the potential users cannot get to the guts of the application and mess things up. Also, I do not know what programs a potential user will have installed on their system.

I do not particularly want to use Access runtime due to the amount of files that this requires to be installed on the user system, and some conflicts when users already have the full version of Access.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with programs that will accomplish this?

Thanks,

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I’m sure there’s a lot of stuff out there for this. I imagine the best choice for you depends on how much you’re willing to spend on both the software and the expertise to develop the required solution. Another big factor may be what programming platform is preferred by your organization.

If I were the developer, and if your organization supported the .NET platform, I would recommend building a .NET Windows application with SQL Server as the database (assuming you need a central data source). That’s just my 2 cents

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Just to add a little to Mark’s comment, if you are looking for a single machine application you could use MSDE (SQL Server 2000) or SQL Server Express (SQL Server 2005). Both are freely redistributable and you can configure a SQL Server instance specifically for your app. If you organization is considering SQL Server 2005 and your timetable is somewhat flexible I’d suggest waiting for SQL Server 2005 which is due to be released November 2005.

Joe

--Joe

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Aside from what the others have said, I want to point out that you will NEVER be able to install a simple executable on a machine and run a database from it alone. All the options, from Access runtime to VB.Net require additional files, whether it’s the Access runtime, the VB runtime or the .Net framework. In some cases, the runtime files may already be on the target machine, which makes it appear that you don’t need extra files, but that is an illusion.

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You can also use an access MDE, which is not easily opened to see your code

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