Not missing anything - just that, to coin a phrase, "our users have varying levels of ability"1, and wouldn't all be able to open the database without a shortcut in the middle of an otherwise almost empty desktop. Hence, unfortunately, the need for shortcuts.
At the moment, it's a bit of nightmare: User on PC -> Access database on local server -> SQL server in London
The plan is apparently to move to: User with Access db on local PC -> SQL server in London
Me, I'd probably prefer: User with Access front end on local PC -> SQL on local server (with data capture queries which echo the captured information to the core research database in London - or build the research database so that it queries the local data when the queries are run). That would at least proof the data collection against VPN glitches, but I'm not technically involved in the development of this one - just the fire-fighting ...
1 One of the guys on our support helpdesk liked that one so much he decided he was going to make a note of it as being one of the most diplomatic way of referring to lusers he'd heard.
no subject
At the moment, it's a bit of nightmare:
User on PC -> Access database on local server -> SQL server in London
The plan is apparently to move to:
User with Access db on local PC -> SQL server in London
Me, I'd probably prefer:
User with Access front end on local PC -> SQL on local server (with data capture queries which echo the captured information to the core research database in London - or build the research database so that it queries the local data when the queries are run). That would at least proof the data collection against VPN glitches, but I'm not technically involved in the development of this one - just the fire-fighting ...
1 One of the guys on our support helpdesk liked that one so much he decided he was going to make a note of it as being one of the most diplomatic way of referring to lusers he'd heard.