I have a SQL 2000 server running on windows 2000 server.
I have a quote program that our salesman use developed
with Microsoft Access 2000. I want the salesman to be
able to connect to the network and have their quote
information replicated to our server and if possible
updates from the server replicated back to the users.

Is this possible?
What do I need to know?
Do I need Microsoft Office Developer for the replication
manager?

I looked through books online but that was more confusing.

Would the MSDE desktop engine help matters out at all?
Would it make it easier?

Brian,

This is definitely possible. I am developing an
appplication that uses Access 2002 with MSDE as the data
engine, replicating to SQL Server 2000. The application
is meant to be used on laptops in the field and connected
back for uploads/updates when in the office. You don't
need Office developer as far as I know, only if you want
to use Access Runtime.

Replication isn't trivial to me, there are a lot of
gotchas and things to learn but the concept is simple.
You'll need to get up to speed on replication between
access/Jet to SQL Server or SQL Server replication itself
(if you use MSDE).

In order to use MSDE, get up to speed on Access Projects,
there is a lot of info on MSDN.

I can't answer the question on whether using MSDE makes
things easier or harder since I have not tried to
replicate from Access to SQL Server before, even though I
think it is possible.

Hope this helps.

Mike
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