Sql Database

[sPetersPi]

Hi Markingriffin.

MySQL requires some form of front-end conectivity to handle the data stored in the database.

I would disagree with every other comment here by saying I don't like ASP.
Yes it's taught at universities, but the majority of developers use PHP.

The most popular language at the moment is PHP.
It's commonly referred to as a LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP).

PHP is more like C/C++ while ASP is more like Visual Basic.

MySQL is far easier to learn that PHP / ASP / et al, but can't be used alone.

 

[Guest]

Hi Markingriffin.

MySQL requires some form of front-end conectivity to handle the data stored in the database.

[snip]
MySQL is far easier to learn that PHP / ASP / et al, but can't be used alone.

There are a number of software tools used to admin a MySQL database server.

By far the most popular is phpMyAdmin which is free. I've been using it for ten years or so.

Another one that is popular is called RazorSQL which cost about $70.

If you are running MySQL on your web host, many of them already have phpMyAdmin built in.

If you want to use MySQL on your desktop machine, I suggest you get what is called a "stack" installer that puts in MySQL, Apache, and PHP, myPHPAdmin, plus some other tools. One of the most popular is called XAMPP which is what I use... they have FREE versions for Mac, Linux, Windows, etc.

A lot of agents say database stuff is too hard for them... but many find it a lot easier to learn than the intricacies of fixed indexed annuity with six crediting methods, seven indexes, and a cap, spread, MVA, and participation rate!!

I believe most agents can learn how to use a MySQL database with one of the front end tools in a long weekend of reading and playing with it.

Why do it instead of hiring someone? Well, if nothing else you become "master of your domain" so to speak (no Sienfeld jokes, please!) It is "nice" to know how stuff works, how to fix it, and how to make it work the way YOU want to work.

If you had a garden or a wood-working shop you would learn how to use all the tools to grow award-winning flowers or build beautiful furniture. Well, software and servers are the "tools" of the modern insurance agency... and it will make you a better agent when you know how to use them.

A good way to start would be to download and install the SugarCRM "stack" installer and then phpMyAdmin... or better yet, install XAMPP, and then SugarCRM (without the stack installer... and NOT the beta version) and spend some time seeing how this all hangs together and how you might make it work for you and your agency.

There is a ton of SugarCRM installation stuff here. It looks formidable, but it's not. Just follow the directions and you won't have much trouble.

Of course, you will probably want to use mySQL on your web server for production data, but it is nice to start up using your local machine to learn and play around with. If you screw it up, you just delete the folder where all the stuff is and re-install!

Contact me if you have questions or want some help. Best to find my info at my web site (scroll down... on right) and not the PM system here as I don't often check it.

Al