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SQL Databases in a Shared Web Hosting Environment
An SQL database differs from other databases such as Microsoft Access because its inner workings do not function as a single file but as a database engine. This means that for an SQL Database to function it requires SQL server software to be installed on a server. Therefore, using an SQL Database for your website is not as simple as dropping a MS Access .mdb file in one of your web directories, grant permissions and begin updating it right away. The first important thing to consider is that many web hosting providers do not offer SQL Databases as part of the standard web hosting plan. MS Access is always included.
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Please remember that if you do not understand the material presented here, just
drop us an email and we will help with the hosting setup and configuration for FREE!!!
For initial information and research, it is best to go directly to the source. So this is an intro to SQL…
Microsoft SQL Server has been presented to the public in
three versions now: SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2005 and SQL
Server 2008. SQL Server 2000 is now discontinued and most of the engineers
out there consider that it is a really bad move to continue to use it in new
applications or websites. SQL Server 2005 is the version that features the
larger installed base, because of its performance and stability improvements
over SQL 2000. Finally, the most powerful database engine developed by
Microsoft, and soon to be leader in the industry,
SQL Server
2008, was recently released to market.
In terms of performance, SQL Server overpowers MS Access
dramatically. This is because MS Access depends on a single file to store and
handle all its database activities, while SQL uses server resources of several
types in order to provide its databases services. So, if you are building a web
application or data-driven website, you better start thinking about using SQL
instead of MS Access. Which version? Choose between 2005 and 2008, but our clear
favorite is SQL Server 2008.
SQL is commonly managed through a graphical tool called "SQL
Management Studio". But, if you use Visual Web Developer you have a "Database
Explorer" tool that makes it really easy to integrate your website's aspx pages
and the database.
At the time of this writing, the best free tool for developing a website that uses SQL as it database engine is Visual Web Developer 2008 Express Edition. It’s Microsoft software, distributed for free so that beginners can easily develop rich data-driven websites, employing technologies such as AJAX for greater interactivity with the final user. We designed this website using VWD 2008 Express Edition so we have earned the rigth to speak on its behalf.
After the local website design has been completed, it is time to begin looking for web hosting. You will soon find out that when you try to upload the website things just do not work the same way as they did when you were running the website on your local computer. Changes have to be made to your connection strings, DSNs and/or direct calls to the SQL databases.
We have tried several web hosting plans offering support for SQL Databases, but most of the time they just allow one (1) SQL database per hosting account. And we do not consider that limit a great deal for the money that has to be paid on a monthly basis.
IX Web SQL Hosting features a limit of 100 SQL databases and their prices are very good. Feel free to check their website for current offers and opportunities.
The only catch is that the version they include is SQL 2005.
The evaluation process for vendors providing SQL 2008 on
their hosting plans is still underway. We are not able to make recommendations
at this moment.
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