Suggestions, opinions

I am currently developing a client/server app that will use a windows service to establish a serial link to security automation hardware. This server side will then communicate with many clients. The clients will request varying amounts of data from the server via ethernet. The amount of data will vary from a few bytes to possibly a few Kb. The serial connection will be 9600 baud and the ethernet connection will be 10 Mbit.

I was thinking about building a Access MDB database on the server that would hold the data acquired from the automation controller by the server serial link and allow the clients to query the database. The database would be periodically updated by the server.

So, what I'm looking for is some thoughts, opinions, constructive criticism on the above approach or possibly recommend alternatives that I can use.

Thanx

Bob