What exacly is a Microsoft Access Database?

MS Access is one of the most commonly used RDMS (Relational Database Management System) in the world. In basic terms MS Access is a way of inputting, organizing, searching and making full use of your company's data. This can be done by creating user input forms, with built in validation to eliminate typing errors, and adding reports with search criteria to target your data, for example a report to show sales in a given month and/or for a given salesman.

In addition to this MS Access integrates easily with other Microsoft products and can also integrate with none Microsoft systems. This allows your Access Database to produce reports in Excel, create letters in Word at the touch of a button or automatically send emails to clients or other work colleagues.

When should I use a Microsoft Access Database?

Whether an individual or small business an MS Access Database will help you organize your data more efficiently. MS Access is ideal as a starting point for a small company or as an upgrade from a paper or spreadsheet based system; if you currently have a spreadsheet based system your historic data can be easily transfered into Access.

Access is part of the MS Office Professional Suite, so you probably already have it installed on your company's computers. MS Access is also easily upgraded (upsized) to Microsoft SQL Server, should your company expand to a level that requires such a system (Access is a multi-user system handling up to 25 people using the database at any one time).

Being one of the most commonly used database systems in the world, if you require professional help with your Access Database there is no shortage of Access Developers.