Database Project Questionnaire

I have been asked a few time over the years

what should a developer be asking a client when starting a project?

Sadly, if you are asking this question, you need to rethink your level of experience to tackle the project you are looking to take on as any experienced database developer has a good idea of what questions to ask. 

Here are some starting questions.  Obviously, however, the discussion with potential clients usually leads me to ask many more questions, but everything depends on the context of the conversation, the project,…

General IT Information:

  • PC OS (2000, XP, VISTA, Windows7, Mac, Linux, …)?
  • Do you have MS Access? Which version (2000, XP, 2003, 2007, 2010, Other, …)?
  • Will you be running the full version of MS Access, or runtime, or a combination of both?
  • How are you computers interconnected (LAN, WAN, Wireless, other …)?
  • Do you have a central server? 

Database Current Specifications:

  • Database Format (2000, XP, 2003, 2007, 2010, Other)?
  • Number of Users (Simultaneous Vs. Total)?
  • Do you require security? If so, what type (single password, user login, other …)?
  • Does your database require linking/storing to external documents?
  • What are the Inputs and Output (in which formats)? Do you have any existing samples of each?
  • What resolution are we designing around?
  • What color scheme do you prefer (based on logo, …)?
  • What fonts are you wishing to use, or avoid?
  • Do you require remote access to the database (via Internet, from other offices, etc…)?
  • Do you require help with maintaining the database or will this be administered by your IT Dept.?
  • Will you require long  term support for the database?
  • Do you need help with a backup strategy or will this be administered by your IT Dept.?

Work Mandate Specifications:

  • Work to be performed (On-site, Off-site, Combination)?
  • Will you require training?
  • Will you require documentation (help file, what format, etc…)?
  • Will you require importing existing data into the database (what format)?
  • Who will be the main point of contact? Do they have decision making authorization?

General Questions:

  • Current Issues/Needs/Wants? If they have a current app, what do you like, what don’t you like, what is missing?
  • How do you envision the database (design, functionalities)?
  • Timeline?
  • Budjet?

Although the above centers around MS Access, it can be generalized quite easily for any database project.