What database to use on discountasp.net?

[Rocky]

We just started an account to host on discountasp.net. We currently use an Access DB for our applications. We would now like to use this DB as an online web DB that can be updated/viewed via forms and a web browser. Can we put our Access DB on discountasp.net to do this, or do we have to convert it to another DB, like MySql?

Thanks,
Rocky

[CrystalCMS]

MSAccess can be used on DASP although it possibly might not be fit for purpose because success/failure will depend on how many concurrent users you will have hitting the database on your website and also how you write your web application data access layer.

Other options include SQL Server 2005 or 2008 both hosted on DASP database servers and VistaDB, an embedded database that can be hosted on the web server. These options all have an additional cost above the base hosting plan.

MySql is not option any more around here although some users do have MySql databases in use with their DASP hosted applications. These MySql databases are hosted on remote servers however.

[Rocky]

Thanks for your response. We don't have many users on the DB at one time, maybe 5 - 10 at most. We are a small non-profit organization, so our solution needs to be low in cost. In reviewing your suggestions, I see that that is a MS SQL Server 2008 Express that is free. Is this something for us to consider? Can we convert our current ACCESS DB to port into it?

Thanks,
Rocky

[CrystalCMS]

You certainly can develop and test your application on MSSQL Express but DASP does not support it on their servers because Microsoft recommended that it should not be used in shared hosting environments. MSSQL 2005 & 2008 on the DASP database servers are the full version products; if you develop on MSSQL Express, you can later perform an attach of your database mdf to the DASP DB server.

More info here:
https://support.discountasp.net/KB/a201/do-you-support-ms-sql-2005-express-database-on.aspx?KBSearchID=134565
https://support.discountasp.net/KB/a191/sql-2005-management-tools.aspx?KBSearchID=134566
https://support.discountasp.net/KB/a188/sql-2008-management-tools.aspx?KBSearchID=134567

[Rocky]

Joe, thanks for the info. I'm a novice with DB's, so I'll spend some time looking into the links you have provided.