Re: SQL/MSDE query

"Paul Burns" <Paul_Burns_at_btopenworld.com> wrote in message news:bb62gs$kgd$1_at_titan.btinternet.com...
> Hi All,> Our software currently uses a flat file 'database' to store user
defined
> data. While this has served us well, the time has come to update it and
this
> has led us to consider purchasing off-the-shelf database software such as
> SQL server and MSDE.

Just out of interest, why is it the 'time has come' to update it? Are you having any particular problems, such as speed/io or design flexibility, interoperability etc?

> The application we develop will need to read and write millions of data
> items from and to base tables very fast. If possible, the new method
should
> improve on the current flat file performance. Is this realistic?

I imagine so, although 'very fast' could mean a number of things. How much data per second will you need to move? Also, how long do these operations run for. I think physical factors such as the amount of data in each record, the performance of your storage devices etc will make a big difference.

> In addition with this level of IO activity will their be a need to
'compact'
> the data regularly? If so, how regularly? Do tools for 'compacting' MSDE
> databases exist? I guess they are included in SQL Server?

Like SQL SErver,.MSDE does include tools for cleaning the it's data pages, the engine takes care of this automatically but you can override also.

> I would be interested to hear your views on the above and whether you feel
a
> relational database is the right way forward. If not would something else
> be more appropriate?

I suppose it depends on what you plan to get out of the upgrade, it may be that for what you're doing, your flat-file is in fact optimal!?. This is a bit of a lame statement, but relataional databases are generaly well suited to moving data around with amazing efficiency, so I'd be surprised if you didn't get a boost by using one. It also leaves you in good stead for future development - helping you with concurrency, backups, transactions etc should you need them.

There's my 2 pennies worth anyhow!
HTH
Tobin

> I would greatly appreciate your comments.
>
> Regards,
> Paul
>
>
Received on Mon Jun 02 2003 - 14:19:26 CEST