Before I ask this question let me say: I KNOW that DBase works differently
than a Client/Server type database, and I know that the performance will be
different. That is the theory. But can someone tell me about actual
experience with the more recent versions: D5, SQL 2000, etc?

I have a commercial package that was written and tested entirely for
DBase/FoxPro tables. Many of the original TQuery's were changed to TTable
access for speed. But now it is time to move on up to client/server. What
are the major gotcha's? Is it entirely necessary to go with two (or three)
sets of code? What just will not work with both? I understand that Oracle
does not even have a "boolean" type (major re-write here!). Any thoughts
(besides "start over from scratch/you can't get there from here") would be
greatly appreciated.

Also, some of the DBase tables use filters within the indexes. How can this
best be emulated in a C/S database?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi Keith,

There are a lot of alternatives to switching from dBase files to a full blown
SQL DB just to get C/S.

Take a look at Advantage ( http://www.advantagedatabase.com/ ).
Their local server is free and has excellent performance. Also, it's
simple to migrate from local to C/S with Advantage.

They won the best DB award in 2001 from Delphi Informant.

They also have TAdstable and TAdsQuery components that work
with their proprietary DB: ADTs (like Paradox Tables). Also works
on DBFs (CDX and NTX).

Their C/S DB engine does not require a DBA due to it's low maintenance.
It's fast, stable and loaded with features. I have been using the product
for many years with success. I had originally considered Oracle for my
project (25 users total) but I could not justify the cost to my clients.
Coming from a non-SQL background (xBase), I also would have had to learn
a totally new DB or hire a DBA to do the work (more costs).

ADS runs on: Netware 3,4,5, NT, Win 9x, Win 2000, XP. Linux soon (in beta).
Also runs through the Internet.

The Advantage product simplified my C/S programming project using Delphi.
Their SQL engine is feature rich.

The Advantage ng's are pretty active; so I get a lot of support from them.
Also, Advantage tech support is excellent.

See http://www.kylecordes.com/ for a list of BDE replacements.

HTH,

Ken