Currently developing C/S application for small business (I Should say
very small business) I am looking for a cheaper alternative than the
major SQL server (Interbase, MS SQL Server, Oracle...).

The platform is Windows, the architecture follows the three-tier model
and the development tool is Delphi.

In that perspective : Client/data brooker/database server, the choice
for the database server ideally would be an SQL server.

One could argue that for a small number of clients (typically < 10), a
file server system (Paradox files) would get the job perfectly done, and
that it would be free.

But in a perspective of upsizing easily an gaining experience for
subsequent projets, I would prefer an SQL server.

As transparent access to OBDC is possible through the BDE, I guess that
there must be a reliable Windows95 SQL server alternative (supporting
OBDC driver) available.

Any idea will be welcome.

Up Front, I've never done C/S but used SQL with Access
via Diamond (http://www.ems.ru/~timur/diamond/). Will Access meet your
needs? It seems to work well on our Network File based system (no C/S)
at work.

For BDE alternatives you should check out (http://www.kylecordes.com/)
as
a review of options... Some of them are C/S and may meet your needs.

I understand a "thin-Client" (whatever that is) can be developed using
various
Web-based Server Applications and have been very pleased with another
product for Web-App development at (http://www.cgiexpert.com/index.htm).
The
examples and Users forum discuss Web Apps that may give you some ideas.

This doesn't exactly answer you question but sending you to other
experts seems
better than giving BOGUS advise. (been there...)

Good luck and I'd love to hear of the solution you come up with.

vr
Reece

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