Question

I have an existing Access Database with forms and reports. This was done back in 2000. At the time of development it was purely to put out fires and get something done for people to start capturing data in a database format, run reports and filter results.

I have no idea who created it as the person has since left and left no traces of what he did. I can access the files, log the data and get to the code so theres no problem with the integrity.

My question however is. Since then are there better alternatives to capture data in a database that is easily accessible with an easy interface and reporting feature like Access. I know that there are alternatives like MSSQL, MySQL etc but dont want to go down that path as an interface still has to be designed for that type of DB anyway.

Answer 1

There are various database management tools along the level of Access listed at http://alternatives.rzero.com/db.html and Alternatives to Access. The problem is that migrating data is often fairly easy compared to forms and code.

If you have an existing application that is working OK, but not well documented etc, then I would stick with that. Understand the application, document it, and work out future requirements before trying to move it to another framework. You have some flexibility with Access if it is working OK for the current users.

• It is possible to use Access as a front end to SQL Server.
• Access is trivial to use from almost all Windows development tools. So if you need to write a new front end you can gradually do this.
• Access has varying level of integration with SharePoint. For simple applications (I don’t know if yours is) a lot of people are looking at SharePoint lists and views. This is not always the best decision, but it is worth a look.