For the last two days, I have been developing a new Microsoft Access Database to assist with running, tracking and reporting items associated with an affiliate program.

Thus far I have created the following elements for this new database:

Though I have extensive experience developing and working with SQL compliant databases [and Microsoft's Access product], in recent years my work in this area has concentrated more on MySQL development efforts and Java JDBC programming.

This has been a great exercise for me, in that I have been looking for a reason to play with Microsoft Access again. I am pretty pleased with my efforts thus far. In 1993, when I first started working with Microsoft Access, I was pretty impressed, and I must say-- I am still impressed with its power.

That said, in 1993 I was writing front-end c routines, back-end Fortran code, c-binding for DEC's RMDBS, and the X-Windows System platform to develop graphical user interfaces for my programs.

When I was tasked to come up to speed with Microsoft's new offering [Access], I felt it comparatively easy to my other system development efforts.

I still have the original HR System I developed for my Crystal City Rockwell office. The system was pretty extensive and gave me a great opportunity to develop in the Windows environment.

Back then, I mostly developed software for Unix or VMS platforms, and used a PC to document my software development life cycle efforts.

I also used Microsoft Access to create a Program Trouble Report database that was used to support Configuration Management efforts for our contract deliverable programs. I also have this system.

My résumé boasts, Microsoft Office Power User, however until this week I had forgotten just how powerful this resource is.

Next week, I am going to continue looking at the Facebook API. I have been adding national events to the WiredPages Facebook page, for the new widget/servlet I am developing for the Style & Events page. See illustration of a similar interface here.

If you would like to have your event listed-- contact me at wiredpages dot qisoftware dot com. Check out the list to see the type of events being listed.