Using Data Access Pages to Access Data on a SQL Anywhere 10 Database
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If you're interested in setting up a front end for SQL Anywhere 10 in Microsoft Access, you've come to the right place. This article will show you how to import a table from SQL Anywhere 10 into Microsoft Access, how to query the table, and more.
SQL Anywhere 10
SQL Anywhere 10, which is in its enterprise ready avatar, is extremely easy to administer and supports many advanced features. It can also cater to HTTP requests for data with its HTTP server. The details of downloading and getting your hands wet with SQL Anywhere 10 have been described in another article on the ASPFree.com site. Its migration wizard is easy to use, as was shown in yet another article on DevShed.com.
The present article shows how to set up a front end for this database in Microsoft's very popular Access application. The IIS 5.1 Server, the SQL Anywhere 10 Server as well as the MS Access 2003 all run on a Windows XP Professional Media Center Edition OS.
Overview of the tutorial
The SQL Anywhere 10 database when installed comes with its own ODBC provider, which is the easiest way to get access to the data on the server. It also comes with a demonstration database demo10.db. The required files will be installed in the same directory where the SQL Anywhere 10 is installed.
Using Microsoft Access 2003's import utility, a table from SQL Anywhere 10 will be imported. This table will be queried. The Data Access Page based on the query will be created using the Page Wizard. The DAP will then be saved to the root directory of the intranet site. Data Access Pages exposed data is now available to the intranet users, and it is the easiest way to provide data.
Start the SQL Anywhere Network Server
Start the SQL Anywhere 10 Network Server item by accessing it from the SQL Anywhere 10 shortcut as shown.
This starts the demo10 database on port 2638 as shown. After starting, the following window gets minimized. Do not close this window. However, if you wish to close down you may close this window or click on the button Shutdown.
Create a Microsoft Access Database Application
After opening the MS Access program from its shortcut you may access the import utility from File--> Get External Data -->Import as shown in the next picture.
Next: Importing from an ODBC Database >>
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