Web Site and Database Hosting
SQL Server Database Hosting
As part of our vision for the level of superior service we want to provide for our clients, we had all of our database servers custom built to our demanding specifications. Each exhibits remarkable performance thanks to the components we used, which include:
- Dual 3 GHz Pentium Xeon Processors
- Intel Server Board
- 15,000 RPM RAID Hard Drives (3)
- 2 GB RAM
- Redundant Power Supplies
- Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Software
From time to time, a client asks us if it’s worth the extra money to convert a Microsoft Access database to Microsoft SQL server. If this is a question you have, perhaps the following information may help you in your decision-making process.
Microsoft Access vs. Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft Access is a very good desktop database. It compares favorably with other file-based databases such as FoxPro, dBase and Paradox, among others. However, it was not designed for enterprise-type environments, or database-driven Web sites.
Microsoft SQL Server on the other hand is a world-class enterprise-level database. Companies such as AT&T, Barnes and Noble, Chevron, Compaq and Quest rely on it for mission-critical, Web-based applications. Below are some reasons you should rely on it too.
Advantages of SQL Server vs. Access
SQL Server can allow up to 32,767 connections to the database at the same time. Access has a practical limitation of 3. That’s more than 10,000 times the performance.
Security is close to bulletproof because SQL Server runs on a separate machine from the Web site. In our case, the VLAN moves that machine off the Internet entirely. Even if the Web site is hacked into, the database will remain secure.
SQL Server provides much faster performance than Access because it runs on a very high-end separate machine that’s only function is to serve databases. This speed differential is magnified with larger databases and when more users are connected to the database.
With an Access database, if a Web server malfunctions, there is a real possibility of data loss. Not the case with SQL Server. Its client-server architecture ensures that the database file is never modified, making data loss virtually impossible.
If you are currently using an Access database, you can achieve additional performance, security, and reliability by migrating your data to Microsoft SQL Server. We would highly recommend that you make this part of your Web strategy if you are in this situation.