Access Runtime

[Olivier Japson]

Hi everyone,

Let's say I purchased Office 2003 Professional. Now, I build a database for
one of my customer whom doesn't own Access. May I install a runtime version
of Access on his computer in order for him to browse and add records to his
db?
If yes, where can I get Access 2003 Runtime? (I tried to find it in the
download section but it looks as if it's stored eslewhere).
Also, is there a way to build a package with Access Runtime and the database
without purchasing InstallShield or Wise?

Thanks for your answers.

Cheers.

 

[Jeff Conrad]

Hi Oliver,

Let's say I purchased Office 2003 Professional. Now, I build a database for
one of my customer whom doesn't own Access. May I install a runtime version
of Access on his computer in order for him to browse and add records to his db?

Yes, you can. You can load the Access 2003 Runtime files onto as many computers
as you would like. The Runtime version is actually the same as the full version it is
just "crippled" through many registry entries. There are a few things to take into
consideration when building a Runtime application. For that I would see Tony Toews'
excellent information found here:

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/developereditionversions.htm

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/developereditionfaq.htm

Keep in mind though that if you only need to install the Runtime files on ONE additional
machine, it will most likely cost more than just buying a full Access version for the
other person. The ADE only becomes cost effective after several installs. Just
something to keep in mind.

If yes, where can I get Access 2003 Runtime? (I tried to find it in the
download section but it looks as if it's stored elsewhere).

You must purchase the Visual Studio Tools for the Microsoft Office System.
You can find information on that here:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/office/technologyinfo/devtools/accessextensions/default.aspx

Also, is there a way to build a package with Access Runtime and the database
without purchasing InstallShield or Wise?

Yes, the ADE package can actually create an installation package for you.
However, it is quite limited compared with InstallShield and Wise.
The experts usually prefer a more robust install package.
In addition, the InstallShield/Wise packages along with the Sage key
scripts are much better at preventing problems seen with other Office/
Access installations on the target machines.

If you are in a really controlled environment where you can troubleshoot
problems easily, then just the ADE package may suffice. If you need to
install to many different Office/Access/Windows platforms and the locations
may be far away, you may seriously want to consider InstallShield or Wise.

 

[Rick Brandt]

Hi everyone,

Let's say I purchased Office 2003 Professional. Now, I build a
database for one of my customer whom doesn't own Access. May I
install a runtime version of Access on his computer in order for him
to browse and add records to his db?
If yes, where can I get Access 2003 Runtime? (I tried to find it in
the download section but it looks as if it's stored eslewhere).
Also, is there a way to build a package with Access Runtime and the
database without purchasing InstallShield or Wise?

Thanks for your answers.

Cheers.

Purchasing Office Pro is NOT enough to distribute the Runtime. You need the
Visual Studio tools for Office (or some such name) which would cost
significantly more than just buying a copy of Access.

The runtime distribution does not become cost effective until you distribute to
at least "several" users. In addition, an app needs considerably more "polish"
to work properly in the runtime environment compared to an app created for use
in the licensed product.