SQL vs native access

 >> The problem though is that in order to be fair I really need to use the
fastest syntax available and that would require working with a good SQL
expert.

Joe, Paul Conte did a very comprehensive set of tests a few years ago for
News.  Should be on their web site somewhere.  In the article he described
the testing methodology etc. and I think possible optimizations.  Why not at
those sources for test cases?

PS.  If I recall correctly his conclusion was that for single record I/O
native was still the clear winner, but that set processing etc SQL was
faster.  I recall that some of the results were surprising to me (and
apparently to Paul).  I would look it up but I'm not a "real" member of the
network - perhaps someone else can dig it up.

PPS.  I do know that performance is a very frustrating issue for the SQL
guys since it is all but impossible to improve SQL performance without also
improving native performance.  They are therefore chasing a moving target!

Jon Paris
Partner400
www.Partner400.com