Summary

In this chapter, you explored how to use Access Projects to work with SQL Server databases. SQL Server is a very powerful enterprise database tool that should be used for more sophisticated applications. You can start with a free version of SQL Server called SQL Server 2005 Express Edition if you want to write your Access application using SQL Server to begin with. If you do so, you will not have to make extensive changes at a later date when your application has become successful and must be migrated to a more powerful database than Access. Access Projects allow you to create client-server applications with Access as the front end and SQL Server as the database. Access includes an Upsizing Wizard to help you transition an existing Access database to SQL Server. If you want more information on using Access Projects to work with SQL Server databases, consult the comprehensive case study in Chapter 14.

In prior chapters, you have learned how to create code in VBA, such as code that executes when certain events happen. You have also learned how to retrieve and export data from databases in various formats. In this chapter, you expanded your knowledge of working with other data sources by learning about Access Projects and SQL Server. In the next chapter, I will cover some advanced techniques to use in your Access applications.