Case Study: Migrating a Nonprofit to WSI-Hosted Microsoft SQL Server Express

A nonprofit organization focused on providing sustainable water solutions needed to enhance its database infrastructure to support multiple users across different locations. The organization used a Microsoft Access database to manage donor contributions, sponsorships, and student aid programs, but performance issues and a lack of remote accessibility created operational challenges.

Winning Solutions, Inc. (WSI) provided a cost-effective and scalable solution by migrating the client’s database backend to Microsoft SQL Server Express while preserving the familiar Access front-end.

Challenges

• Microsoft Access struggled with large data sets, leading to performance slowdowns.
• No remote access prevented staff members in different locations from collaborating efficiently.
• Data integrity issues, including missing primary keys and duplicate values, needed resolution.
• Compatibility concerns required a seamless migration without disrupting daily operations.

WSI’s Solution

• Database Migration: Converted the Microsoft Access backend to Microsoft SQL Server Express, maintaining the Access front-end for user familiarity.
• Hosting & Deployment: Hosted the new SQL database on WSI’s secure SQL Server Express environment, ensuring data stability with daily backups.
• Performance Optimization: Optimized queries, reports, and table structures to improve database efficiency.
• Data Integrity Enhancements: Resolved missing primary keys, duplicate entries, and inconsistent table structures.
• Testing & Support: Provided a structured bug-tracking system for issue documentation and ongoing database maintenance options.

Results & Business Benefits

• Enhanced Performance: The SQL Server Express backend enabled faster, more reliable database functionality.
• Remote Accessibility: Staff members from multiple locations could securely access and update records in real-time.
• Improved Data Integrity: The implementation of proper indexing and data validation eliminated inconsistencies.
• Scalability: The system now supports future expansion without being constrained by Access’s limitations.

Client Testimonial

"WSI transformed our database system, allowing us to manage sponsorships and donor contributions more effectively. The migration to SQL Server Express has vastly improved our workflow, ensuring that our team members can collaborate seamlessly from multiple locations."

Conclusion

By leveraging Microsoft SQL Server Express and WSI’s expertise, the client successfully modernized its database infrastructure. The upgraded system provides a secure, scalable, and high-performing solution tailored to the organization’s mission-driven work.

Contact Us today to discuss how WSI can help enhance your database infrastructure.