Microsoft Office Access (frequently called Access or MS Access) is Microsoft's desktop database management system. Unlike SQL Server, which is geared towards the enterprise, Access is targeted at the small business sector. It's sold with Office, and combines both a database engine (called Jet), interface builder, and reporting and query capabilities.
When Access Makes Sense
There are situations where Access development makes sense. Your company may already owns Access, or you have a limited number of simultaneous users (less than 5). It also makes sense if you have limited IT resources, and need a simple database system you can put together yourself.
When Access Doesn't Make Sense
Microsoft Office Access is a nice tool, but it isn't suited for every project. If you have more than 5 simultaneous users, I would recommend you look elsewhere. Access is a file-based solution. Everyone shares the same file over the network, which becomes problematic as the number of users increase. SQL Server is far more scalable. For web projects, Access is also not well suited, for the same reasons. Licensing is another issue. Each user will require a copy of Access, where something like Visual FoxPro does not.
Our Access Development Expertise
We've created many Access solutions some dating back to the original release of the product. Regardless if you need Access consulting, or an expert MS Access developer, we can help.
To discuss your Access database project, call my direct line. It's 1.800.984.6977 Ext. 708.