Microsoft Access Database | What is an Access Database
Access Database
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Microsoft Access Database is a powerful and versatile relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. It combines an intuitive user interface with the robust Microsoft Jet Database Engine and a suite of software development tools, making it an ideal solution for businesses, developers, and data professionals looking to efficiently manage, store, and manipulate data.
As part of the Microsoft Office suite , Microsoft Access is available in the Professional and higher editions or as a standalone purchase. It allows users to create and manage databases, integrate with other Microsoft applications, and connect to external data sources, including SQL Server, Excel, and cloud-based services.
Key Features of Microsoft Access Database:
Relational Database Structure: Organize data efficiently using related tables, queries, and relationships.User-Friendly Interface: Design forms, reports, and queries without extensive programming knowledge.Data Import & Integration: Import or link data from Excel, SQL Server, SharePoint, and other databases.Automation with VBA: Utilize Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to create custom automation, workflows, and advanced database interactions.Custom Application Development: Build standalone applications tailored to business needs using forms, reports, and macros.Multi-User & Remote Access: Share databases across teams with networked or cloud-based configurations.
Who Uses Microsoft Access?
Business Professionals: Manage customer records, sales data, and financial reports efficiently.Developers & Data Architects: Design complex database applications with custom VBA programming.Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises: Use Access as a cost-effective alternative to enterprise-level databases.Educators & Researchers: Store and analyze large datasets in an organized, easy-to-use format.
Microsoft Access and VBA Development
Like other Microsoft Office applications, Access is supported by Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) , an object-oriented programming language that enhances automation and functionality. Developers can utilize Data Access Objects (DAO) and ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) to interact with external databases and integrate with Windows operating system functionalities.
With Microsoft Access , users can create dynamic, data-driven applications that improve business processes, enhance reporting, and streamline data management. Whether you're looking to build a new database, migrate an existing system, or optimize performance, Access provides the flexibility and power needed for effective data handling.
Get Started with Microsoft Access Database Today!
Need help developing, managing, or optimizing your Microsoft Access Database ? WSI provides expert consulting and development services to maximize your database potential. Call (515) 239-9900 today to discuss your project.
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Version History:
Access version 1.0 on 13 November 1992 Access 1.1 release in May 1993 Access v2.0 in 1993 Microsoft Access 7.0 (Access 95) in 1995 Access 97 (version 8.0) in 1997 Access 2000 (version 9.0) in 2000 Access 2002 (version 10.0) in 2002 Access 2003 (version 11.5) in 2003 Access 2007 (version 12.0) in 2007 Microsoft Office Access 2010 was released in May 2010 Microsoft Office Access 2013 was released in January 2013 Microsoft Office Access 2016 was released in September 2015 Microsoft Office Access 2019 was released in October 2018
The WSI Programming Experts have vast amounts of experience with each version of Microsoft Access reaching as far back as Version 2.0! So, no matter what version of Microsoft Access you are using, we have an immense amount of knowledge in how to use the software and make it work to your advantage.
Microsoft Access stores data in its own format based on the Access Jet Database Engine. It can also import or link directly to data stored in other applications and databases such as the following:
SharePoint lists text XML Outlook HTML dBase Paradox Lotus 1-2-3 Oracle MySQL PostgreSQL
For an explanation of the different file types used in Microsoft Access.
Microsoft Access Databases can also be used to develop application software and is especially valuable in situations where an off-the-shelf package isn't tailored to the businesses needs or when it contains too many un-needed features at a high cost. Like other Office applications, Microsoft Access Databases are supported by Visual Basic for Applications, an object-oriented programming language that can reference a variety of objects including DAO (Data Access Objects), ActiveX Data Objects, and many other ActiveX components. Visual objects used in forms and reports expose their methods and properties in the VBA programming environment, and VBA code modules may declare and call Windows operating-system functions.