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Resolved Question

Small stand - alone relational database

by Sep 9, 2013 8:31PM PDT

I need a "thin" relational database that can be stored on a USB disk and run on different computers.
I need it to create customer lists with demographic data (the "one" table) and another table (the "many' side) with meetings details.
All the data is textual so the data storage space is not a problem (a few thousands records)- and it will be stored on a cloud drive.

Usually I would use Microsoft Access to do this but unfortunately not all PC's I use have it installed.

Is there a "thin" Access replacement?

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

Nir_N has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
5 Posts
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Best Answer

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I didn't search for this.
by Forum moderator Sep 10, 2013 1:19AM PDT

But if I would I'd either write my own, put it in the cloud or look over http://portableapps.com/

-> Your needs sound like why I carry a laptop. I know it sounds odd, but isn't any laptop a solution here?
Bob

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Now I searched.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 10, 2013 1:26AM PDT

I typed DATAbASE into the search at portable apps and there it is.

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Answer
Re: database
by Forum moderator Sep 9, 2013 8:48PM PDT

Let's start with getting the terms right.

Your database is in the cloud, so you're not looking for a database that can be stored on a USB-stick. You're looking for a DBMS that can be run from a USB-stick without being installed, a 'portable' RDBMS. I'm afraid that will be difficult.

But why not use a webbased solution? A PHP-program can be run in a browser and access a MySQL database. No need to install anything on any client, only on a server. No need even for a USB-stick.

Kees

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Database
by Nir_N Sep 9, 2013 9:21PM PDT

Thanks for your reply.
I don't have a server do run MySQL, so I use the cloud (Google Drive) just to store the data file, and I intend to download it to the local PC when I run the database software, update the data file and re-upload it to the Google drive.
Therefore I need a "real" database software (or a server I can rent to run MySQL).

Nir

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Re: database
by Kees_B Forum moderator Sep 9, 2013 9:41PM PDT

You can run MySQL in the cloud. Just rent a virtual server at amazon.com.

Or MS SQL Server, just what you want. http://www.windowsazure.com/en-us/services/data-management/ tells about the possibilities of Windows Azure.

A central real-time storage of data is in all respects a much better solution that copying data to and from local PC's.

Kees

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