Re: Access or SQL Server 2005?

But I know little to nothing about database platforms and development.

Then you will need to hire somebody to do the work for you, and it will be
cheaper to hire an Access developer, and they will be able to do the project
quicker.

The Excel file stores info in 60 cells on each line of the spread***, a
new line for every sample that is received. This spread*** grows to
10,000
lines in a couple months and I have to archive and purge it back down to a
more stable size.

While this may seem huge, once it is split up into tables and "normalized",
it may not be as big as it seems, and may grow much more slowly.

The biggest plus I want is for more than one user to be able to enter data
in the file at once.

Assuming you have a LAN for these users, the database will probably be
trivial. Don't go overboard - no need to spend a fortune, here.

Although it is unlikely more than 10 users will access the file at once, I
didn't think it would grow to THIS size..

You and everyone else ...

BUT in the meantime... I'd like to load OS and software that will work
best
with where I'm eventually going....

So you Don't have the LAN yet ... then better to wait until the software
developer starts, and use that person's recommendation.

Might I suggest to you that this NG is an excellent resource, and unless you
are burning to gamble cash on an unknown "consultant", you would do well to
continue here:

1. Describe your problem in detail, and decide exactly what you want the
solution to accomplish.

2. Go to the websites of several of the prominent members of this NG, and
present your specs, along with sample data from the Excel file (if it is not
sensitive data). Solicit bids.

3. Ask if one of the non-bidders would offer you insight into the
proposals, for a nominal consulting fee.


--
Darryl Kerkeslager



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