Re: My First Production Application

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From: Jeff Conrad (jeffc_at_ernstbrothers.com)
Date: 09/12/04 

Date: Sun, 12 Sep 2004 10:06:05 -0700

"Don Garry" <don_garry@telus.net> wrote:

Hi Don,

> I've just finished producing my first access database for a small company.
> The system works extremely well and the customer is really pleased with the product.

Sweeeeet. Feels good doesn't it?
:-)

> I've secured it a much as I know how to by making an MDE and building some
> functions that will cause the database to expire if the customer decides not
> to pay his bills in the future.

Sounds good. Did you integrate it with Access User Level Security? The MDE will protect the code,
but not the data. Any novice Access user could get at your data in a heartbeat without ULS set up.
If your expiration function is embedded in some fashion in the data tables themselves then someone
could actually turn this off without your knowledge! Just thought I would point that out.

> Now that I'm this far....I've got some questions that I'm not really sure
> where to get the answers to so thought I would post and see what others who
> have been here before would suggest.

Here is just fine for starting.

> Here are my questions so far.......
> 1) What is the best way of protecting the work that I've created ? (Should I
> consider copyright which I really don't know anything about ?)

Well you should SERIOUSLY consider talking to a lawyer about this. Honest! The laws vary widely by
country so a lawyer will provide the best advice. Actually in most cases if you provide a software
solution to a company THEY own the code! Yes, there are other ways around this so that is why you
need to talk with a lawyer NOW!

> 2) I viewed the previous system that the customer was using and took some
> ideas from their model and put them into my application. Have I violated
> anything here ???

By just looking at things I don't believe so, but again talk with a lawyer.

> 3) I'm working on an automated database backup routine but would like to be
> able to support my client over the internet if I had to while away from
> town. Does anyone have any suggestions on what kind of remote control
> software would be the best ?

Symantec PcAnywhere is my choice for this. I've used it for years to take control of all our remote
restaurant locations' computers and do updating/troubleshooting. I can honestly say that I could not
do my job without this program.

Good luck, 

-- 
Jeff Conrad
Access Junkie
Bend, Oregon

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