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Message Posted: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 @ 09:50:32 GMT

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Hi all

I've noticed the exchanges re the use of MS Access as a front end tool for Teradata queries and updates.

My view of these messages is that they mostly have a technical bent, and yes, I've seen some of the difficulties described. (I do feel there is a place for Access against Teradata, perhaps for *small* update operations, data extraction, and perhaps for well-known standard queries resulting in fast responses.)

However, my approach to the data warehouse as a business tool is that it is unlike yet another 'database', in that end-users should not be expected to understand the database structure, relational integrity, where columns are, what they are named, and what they mean (especially in the light of the joins etc). This challenge has been met via tools that implement a 'semantic layer' or enhanced data dictionary that speaks 'business language' and that protects the end-user from the database structure in terms of tables, views, columns etc. I don't believe that Access has this as a goal, and therefore is not ideal for the user who has various questions in mind, yet doesn't want to delve into the database structure.

Thanks

Mike Philips

Professional Services / Pre-Sales
National Data Systems (NDS)
(NCR exclusive distributor)

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