STSADM : addsolution - object reference not set to an instance.

Recently I was trying to deploy the solution package (.swp) build in sharepoint 2007 as well as sharepoint 2010 environment to the solution store using the STSADM tool and received "Object reference not set to an instance of an object." error.

After a bit struggle I realized that the windows 2008 logged in user Id does not have access to the SharePoint_Config database.

After granting the appropriate permission I was able to add the solutions (.wsp) to the solution store.

Note:
While the windows server 2008 logged in user does not have access to the "SharePoint_Config" data base (where the STSADM will add an entry into to the solution table), and tried to Deploy the solution package using VS 2010 into the SharePoint 2010 environment, received the error: "Error occurred in deployment step ‘Retract Solution’: The local SharePoint server is not accessible. Check that the server is running and connected to the SharePoint farm."

After giving the appropriate permission the Deployment went well.