In some of the MS Access databases that you develop, there may be a need to import data from text files, also referred to as ASCII files or flat files. Let's look at the menu methods available to you.

Under the File menu, there is an entry named "Get External Data", and then "Import...". The extra "..." indicates that when you choose that entry, a dialogue box will appear on the screen to ask you for further details.

The next step is to change the "Files of type:" entry to show "Text Files (*.txt;*.csv;*.tab;*.asc)". A good habit is to always use the .txt extension for text files. Thus, they will appear under that choice and you can quickly look for the file you want to import.

Generally speaking, your text files should either have their "fields" separated by a delimiter (usually a comma or a tab, but can also be a space, semicolon, or any other chosen character), or they may be in fixed widths where each field always takes the exact same space in each record.

Let's look at the delimited style first. The fields will be automatically sensed by Access as per the delimiters. Subsequent dialogue box screens will ask you to indicate if the first row in the text file has field names, pick a table for the data (if you do not have one predesigned, Access will build it for you), designate field names if needed, adjust field types (Access tries to predetermine the types), indicate if the field should be indexed, tell MS Access to skip a field, add a primary key if it is creating a new table for your data, and finally, name the table if you chose to create a new one. If you are importing the data into a temporary table (a common process) use the defaults.

If your data is in fixed format, the main difference in the above is that you must verify the field boundaries in the data. If your data is all filled in (ie. no spaces) Access will not be able to guess where the fields end. Note that the dialogue box that you get in this case has instructions on how to create, delete, or move a field break line. A little experimentation will get you sucessfully on your way quickly.

If you run a portion of your business online, you know how hard it can be to get the right elements for a user friendly site. A few years ago when the World Wide Web was still new, establishing a free website that helped your business in a measurable way was fairly simple. You registered your domain name, went to a free hosting company, grabbed a simple five to twenty-five page template, and plugged in your company information. Denver database development was a burgeoning business back then. But in the last few years, being successful on the web has become more difficult.

As web users become more and more savvy and as websites become more and more sophisticated, the requirements for a good site have increased. What a consumer thought was usable and well designed five years ago has drastically changed. Today, your potential customers have some unspoken standards they expect to be met when they come to your site.

In order to live up to these standards, you are going to have to move beyond the web templates and perhaps beyond the relatively skilled web designer. Fortunately, as the needs of internet merchants have become more complex, the abilities of Denver database development teams have advanced as well. So when you need to move beyond the basics, look for database development, Denver or otherwise, that can sit down with you and analyze your needs.

The basis of database development is simply the integration of information into a software program that can store, sort, and display the information pieces on command. This software can take on a number of appearances though, depending on the needs of the site owner.
One of the most common database development projects is for product inventory. If you think of your favorite retail website, you can picture a fine example of this type of system. Products, or in some cases, services, are stored in the database and then displayed at the user’s command by either a click or a keyword search function. Then the database serves up some related items in the margins that this type of customer might also like. Sophisticated versions of an inventory software system can also maintain viewing histories for each user automatically, queuing up recent searches and items of interest when the user returns.

An effective inventory database will work seamlessly both with a precise search function and with a kink-free shopping cart. It is difficult for the average site owner to create and maintain a system of this level, so Denver database development is necessary to achieve a quality experience for new and returning customers.

Database development is not limited to inventory systems though. In fact, there are a number of uses for customized databases, including email lists culled from frequent visitors, client contact and shipping information, pricing charts and systems, as well as scheduling. If you offer your expertise on site at various locations, you can enlist the help of database developers to create a system that will allow you to plug in the dates and locations of your next appearances. Do the same with multiple store locations, maps, and personnel contact information.

Anyone who depends on building a database with online subscribers knows this is becoming more difficult by the day. Primarily, the competition for the consumer’s attention is fierce. Today’s consumer has become much more demanding and savvy when it comes to buying products online or signing up for “stuff.”

Smart marketers realize the power and profit that comes from a strong alliance through joint venturing. JV’s can be one of the smartest marketing moves any online marketer can make.

Something that has become very popular in recent months is where one person or company sweetens the offer of the product they are selling with lots of bonuses.  The bonuses can be their own information products or those of others who understand the benefits of this type of campaign. Of course, there is no charge for the bonus products.

There are two primary ways to participate in a JV of this nature. One is to simply give the PDF file to the person who is selling a product. The seller gives the PDF directly to the buyer. The advantage to this is your bonus product gets seen by others. The disadvantage is you don’t get access to the buyer’s contact information.

The other option is to require anyone who buys a product to go to a link provided by the bonus giver. The link is connected to a page with a form that the consumer fills out. They must leave their name and at a minimum, their email address before they can download the bonus.

 When offered the opportunity to partner with other online marketers I usually jump at the chance. However, I the campaign I am most likely to join in on is the one where people sign up to get my bonus. Additionally, I do all I can to make sure the person I partner with is reputable.

Here are the primary benefits to participating in a joint venture.

- Expanded market reach
- Gain name recognition within that market
- Increase credibility through name association 
- Build a database with minimal effort
- Create incredible value for the consumer

If you are looking for ways to increase your database, reach, credibility and visibility while providing more value to your market, consider joining forces with other progressive thinking entrepreneurs. It could be one of the smartest business moves you make.

Imagine how much simpler your life would be if you had all your business contacts together in one place. One click of your mouse would reveal how effective your latest marketing campaign has been. Know at a glance which of your products/services is the most profitable.

Your custom-designed database will put this information right at your fingertips. Today, I'd like to share with you my tips for ensuring that your database gives you the business information you need, when you need it!

What is a database?
A database is a collection of information relating to a particular topic kept together in one place, for you to access whenever you need. You can use a database to simplify your:

MARKETING CAMPAIGN--set up a database to plan your marketing  campaign; track results of your marketing campaign; or analyse trends in your marketing campaign.

CLIENT & CONTACT MANAGEMENT--set up a database to keep track of your clients and contacts; analyse your business--which products/services are the most profitable; or see which clients are buying which product/service.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT--set up a database to keep track of your spending; manage your invoices to clients; or monitor overdue invoices.

MEMBERSHIP ORGANISATIONS--set up a database to keep track of members; send out membership renewal letters; or monitor subscriptions.

Your list for database uses will likely be much longer--just brainstorm a list of all the places where consolidated information would make your life easier!

The secret's in the planning
You want to get the most out of your database, right? Then make sure to plan it right from the start.

Before you go running off to set up your database you need to ask yourself these important questions:

::What do you want to use your database for?
::What data do you want to keep track of?
::Who will be collecting the data?
::How much data is there to collect--50 records or 500 records?
::Who will be doing the updates?
::What reports do you want your database to generate?

You may find it easiest to map this out on a piece of paper first. Work out how your database is going to fit together. How will each category relate to the others?

Get the maximum use out of your database:
By now, you've invested a lot of time in your database plans, design, and  setup. Don't miss this important step: getting the most out of your creation.

First, you'll want to make the database as easy to use as possible. Create  one-click touches to produce the information you need. Set up shortcuts so you can create the most important reports quickly. And make sure you really consider the easiest way to enter new data.

By applying this advice in your own database, yours will be easy to use AND  have the maximum use value to you!