hey all...
im looking to set up a p.o.s system in my shop, it's a grocery store.
After receiving quotations from three sources, they all spoke about
database. One had Microsoft SQL, the other had MySQL and the last
person was using Microsoft Access. Now, let me tell you that, we are
planning to implement three counters, or terminals. And besides, that,
processing of data from other branches will also be conducted in the
headquarters. Now, I've read quite a lot about the pros and cons of
SQL, or MySQL. The thing is, which one should I choose?

If we are looking for a real-time application which can update from all
the stores into the HQ, and the HQ is also above another outlet, as in
the same building as one of the outlets. LAN networked and linked to a
server/advanced PC.

Do my terminals then fall under the category of multiusers?

Please help....

czandylau (AT) yahoo (DOT) com wrote:

Yes.

First off, steer clear of the MS Access system. It will not scale the way
you are saying. They will say it will and it will never work right.

Now, for the other two, base your decision upon the companies, not their
technology. Why? Because you can't judge the technology unless you are a
pro, but you can judge the companies. Which appears the most open and
trustworthy? Which is quickest to provide you with a list of references?
Which is most eager to have you see one of their systems up and running at
a store?

For three terminals anybody could get any three of those systems working,
with various tradeoffs for each one that aren't worth going into here.

--
Kenneth Downs
Secure Data Software, Inc.
(Ken)nneth@(Sec)ure(Dat)a(.com)

Dear Mr.Kenneth Downs,

Thank you very much for your help. We have narrowed down the companies
to MySQL and MS SQL now. Like you said, the it's the company we are
dealing with that matters, and it seems to us that the one carrying the
MySQL version is much more lively and wants to help us out.

They will be setting up a demo for us of their MySQL version tomorrow,
hopefully. The person in charge told me that their version of POS
System in MySQL is not fully in the stable mode. There are still a
number of features to be added into the system.

However, I feel that it would be better to carry on with the MySQL
version from now so that we would not be required to upgrade from
Access later on. And if there are newer features to be implemented, it
could still be done.

By his tone, I can't really be sure of which one he wants me to take,
though he seems to be supportive of the Access version. But, I will
stick by your advice and go for the MySQL version.

Will keep this post updated...

Thanks a lot!

Kenneth Downs wrote: