Difference Between Access And Sql Server

Hi!
can anybody explain when to use MS Access and when to use SQL Server
as database. I know with MS Access we can develop database applications,
but then what is the need to use SQL Server.. apart from being able to handle
large volume of data.

Also, can someone give info about how Microsoft has classified both of these
in terms of product classification.

The primary reason to use SQL Server is to keep the tables on the server as the backend and your forms, reports on the frontend. This works best in multiuser environment to keep all the records together in one place and in sync. You can also place the database on a shared drive in a multiuser environment and still stay with the Jet engine. This has some advantage as then the code doesn't have to be converted to the SQL environment, but is limited to only those that have access to the shared drive. I am not sure I know the answer to your second question.

lwells

Access is used for small desktop size databases used by less then 5 users at the same time. It has a front end gui system to design applications quickly. SQL Server is a more robust system and is able to handle large amounts of users as well as data sizes. There is no front end gui system so it will require other development tools (Visual Studios, .NET, VB, C++, ect.). If in the begining you think Access can handle the needs of your client, but you will need to use SQL Server in the future you can design your database so it can be upgraded when the demand is required for a stronger database. You keep the gui front end of Access and use the backend SQL Server. Any database book can give you a greater description of each software package then what I can in this short description. I hope I helped alittle.