Large companies can use the corporate databases hosted on expensive servers, and then get multiple database administrators, server administrators to manage the servers.
Startups, small businesses, SME companies cannot afford these luxuries.
For simple to complex, single user or multiuser database applications, most solopreneurs, and SME companies rely on Microsoft Access. It is well suited, proven and highly relevant even in 2021.
We have several reasons to say that Microsoft Access is still a truly relevant Database system even in this year, in fact many more years to come.
Let us look at what Microsoft Access is
Microsoft Access is Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) from Microsoft that combines the relational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a graphical user interface and software-development tools to build Forms, Queries and Reports.
This is ideal for getting started in building a Customer Database, Accounting System, Warranty Tracking System, Order & Inventory Tracking etc. easily.
Microsoft Access stores all database tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules in the Access Jet database as a single file.
- Developed by: Microsoft Corporation
- Latest version: 16.0
Advantages of Microsoft Access
- Only one installation needed (RDBMS and design implement in one simple package)
- Easy to install
- Easy to integrate
- Cost wise, it is way much lower. It is possibly already included in your Microsoft license.
Now, coming back to the question, Access applications are still in use longer than 20 years and people are building newer, mission critical applications using Microsoft Access.
Microsoft Access is still a viable tool for personal or small workgroup applications. The small business is not going to spent thousands on a software project that will take a year or more to develop.
Access has always been denigrated by mainline IT people almost from the beginning because it gives people control, which takes that control away from the IT department.
It has multiple uses and is used worldwide. The Danish government uses an Access app for contact tracing of COVID cases.
And in Singapore, Access is truly relevant and used every day by thousands of companies and individuals.
So yes, if you need to develop a database for personal use or within a workgroup, it is still highly relevant.
Get started today in using Microsoft Access for your next Database Project!
P.S: Check this out to know if you are Microsoft Office Proficient.