Desktop Application For Centralized Database Server...

[vishualsoft]

Hi Dear All,

I am planning to create a library related desktop application, for which there would be a single database kept at one place and this application would be installed at different places more over in different cities.

Here, my doubt is Using Delphi 5, is it possible for all the instances of this application which are installed at different cities could access one centralized database ? If yes then HOW ?

If anybody is having any other ideas kindly feel free to share it. Because I have familier to only desktop application development, that is the reason I am asking how these different instances of an application could access only one centralized database ?

So, all the screens and coding would be done using Delphi 5, moreover it would be a desktop application only the difference would be database access would be from different places.


Thanks In Advance.


With Best Regards.

Vishal

[Norrit]

Several ways possible:

- Direct TCP connection to for example MSSQL using sql server authentication. Components in delphi would be ADO. There are some security issues if you publish
- DataSnap, never worked with it though
- WebServices, not sure if that's even available in D5

[vishualsoft]

Hi Norrit ,

Thank you for the reply. I got some confidance in your reply, could you pl make in detail for "Direct TCP connection" option. I would like to know more about it. If possible pl mention in detail.

You mentioned about "WebServices" also, exactly what it is ?, is there any link to refer it. If possible pl explain.



If I would have to make a network connection between clients and server, that splits to two questions.

1. How to find server
2. How to connect to it

Thank You Once Again.




With Best Regards.

Vishal

[Donovan]

I think web services would be your best best.

Give these articles a read before you decide though

http://delphi.about.com/od/webservic...ith_Delphi.htm

[Marsheng]

I've just done the exercise with Club membership.

I've used Wamp - Windows SQl server for the database

http://www.wampserver.com/en/

and Devart's SQL components to access the data.

http://www.devart.com/mydac/

It has taken a while to get it all going but it is a good solution.

Basically my local Delphi app access the database via the web.

Let me know if you want further help.

[vishualsoft]

Hi Marsheng, Donovan,


Thanks alot for the reply.

Marsheng, I have one doubt, if I would like to go for the Firebird database, as it is a free database available, how these component would help in that case ?


Donovan, I would come back to you if I get any doubts.



Thank You Once Again And With Best Regards.

Vishal

[Marsheng]

MYSQL is free
Devart components are $150 from memory.

Cheers Wallace

[Norrit]

MSSQL is also free (Express installation), ADO components are default