Multiple Connections on a PC/Server

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Multiple Connections on a PC/Server

Os-984017

SSC Enthusiast

Points: 184
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January 8, 2009 at 4:36 pm

#217324

Hi All,
I'm very new to this forum as well as to SQL Server. We are looking to move from MS Access to SQL Server 2008 Standard Ed. Due to dB size limitation on Access. To install SS 2008 on a server hardware (according to our company's specifications) will cost over $15K (including OS). So we are trying to see if we can install it on a 64-bit desktop (with 16GB ram and may be 500-700GB HD) which will cost us less than half the server price. Someone has told us (not sure if they know what's they talking about) we cannot have multiple/concurrent users on a PC...it has to be a server. This is for a production environment. My question is: Can we have concurrent users accessing the dB (4-9 users)? If it's possible, then what's the advantage of having a server over a PC?
Another question, what if we decide to purchase a regular 32-bit (max 4GB ram) will that cause any issues? (some of our tables hold millions of records).
Thanks for any help.
Os.

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Grant Fritchey SSC Guru Points: 398874 More actions · Answer 1

As to licensing, sure you can run SQL Server on a workstation and have multiple connections. No issues. Well, except for whatever limitations you might run into in terms of memory, cpu, I/O... but those are very depdendent on the database, your application, the code accessing it, etc.

Just so you know, simply moving your Access tables to SQL Server is only a very small part of the task in front of you. You will need to learn about indexing, good TSQL methods, backups... just to name a few. If you're dealing with millions of rows, querying in TSQL and the indexes needed to make those queries hum are going to require some work on your part. Just for starters, I'd recommend picking up Itzik Ben-Gan's book, SQL Server 2008 T-SQL Fundamentals.

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
- Theodore Roosevelt

Author of:
SQL Server Execution Plans
SQL Server Query Performance Tuning

Os-984017 SSC Enthusiast Points: 184 More actions · Answer 2

Thanks Grant.

It seems like the 64-bit desktop will be the ideal option.

Yes, we are looking into getting some training on TSQL (I have looked at MS training classes... they are somewhat pricey, but will see if we go with them or with other options)

Thanks for recommending the book.

I will definitely have more questions in the next few weeks.

Thanks.

Grant Fritchey SSC Guru Points: 398874 More actions · Answer 3

I don't know your location or training budget, but I'd be remiss if I didn't suggest looking into Andy Warren and his team down in FL at End2End training. Great bunch of people.

Another recommendation, although I know this on is almost as pricey as MS, is to go to or bring in Solid Quality Learning. Again, a great bunch of people.

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
- Theodore Roosevelt

Author of:
SQL Server Execution Plans
SQL Server Query Performance Tuning

Os-984017 SSC Enthusiast Points: 184 More actions · Answer 4

I'm in TX. I used to live in Central FL when mentioning 'End2End Training. Thanks for the info.