Best alternative to MS Access?

[conneticat]

Looks like I have to dumbgrade up to MS Access 2007 from 2003, but I'm disgusted with MS Access 2007 like the rest of the world. What's a better db? Currently, I have developed several dbs with lots of fancy-schmancy reports, automated events, easy to use forms, complicated relationships that even I don't understand anymore and shared data between several dbs. I like the pretty stuff you can do with with Access reports, though. What's the alternative? Any ideas? Is there any db software that is relatively close to Access so I don't have to think too hard?

 

[HarleyQuinn]

Are you wanting to move completely away from Access (e.g. VB front end and SQLServer back end) or would you still be wanting to use Access as the user interface?

HarleyQuinn
---------------------------------
The most overlooked advantage to owning a computer is that if they foul up there's no law against wacking them around a little. - Joe Martin

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[conneticat]

It's really the Access interface/forms in 2007 that causes all the problems. I'm willing start from scratch, but would prefer something that's similar to Access, since I know it so well.

 

[dhookom]

I think your current Access knowledge will suit you best staying in Access. It takes some getting used to Office 2007 interface but at least the ribbon and other interface elements are consistent across Word, Excel, Access,...

There's a lot of information on web to help ease your pain.

Duane
Hook'D on Access
MS Access MVP

 

[HarleyQuinn]

In the same vein as dhookum's thoughts, moving away from Access would pretty much require you to learn a new language for the front end and a largely different language for the alternative back end.

HarleyQuinn
---------------------------------
The most overlooked advantage to owning a computer is that if they foul up there's no law against wacking them around a little. - Joe Martin

Get the most out of Tek-Tips, read FAQ222-2244 before posting.

 

[MichaelRed]

from a slightly different perspective I have found VB and MS Access quite similar in both the forms and Code. VB reporting is not so compatible, but Crystal Reports uses a lot of SQL, whichyou will need to get pretty well up to speed on if you depart from MS Access anyway.



MichaelRed

 

[conneticat]

VB and SQL not a problem...will check out Crystal reports, but the interface has to be easy for my users, some of whom only use Access a few times a year.

 

[Remou]

.hta may be a possibility:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms536496(VS.85).aspx

http://lessthandot.com

 

[dhookom]

conneticat,
You stated "interface has to be easy for my users". Do your users mess around with report design?

Duane
Hook'D on Access
MS Access MVP

 

[missinglinq]

Going back to your original post, why do you

have to dumbgrade up to MS Access 2007 from 2003

The Missinglinq

Richmond, Virginia

There's ALWAYS more than one way to skin a cat!

 

[conneticat]

QUOTE: You stated "interface has to be easy for my users". Do your users mess around with report design?

Not if I can help it

QUOTE: Going back to your original post, why do you
"have to dumbgrade up to MS Access 2007 from 2003"

Because our University has rolled over and decided to succomb to Vista and MS Office 2007 (woosies)

 

[PaulBricker]

I'm a little curious what it is about the forms that bothers you. I understand the interface. I've been using 2007 for about 6 months now. I absolutely hated it at first. I couldn't imagine why they had to implement the changes in the menus and toolbars/boxes the way they did but I had no option and no alternative. Now 6 months later, I hardly bat an eye when adding new funtionality to existing db's. I wouldn't stress too much about the change until you've had a chance to work with it. It may not be everything you'd like, but it probably won't end up being the worst thing you have to deal with either.

Paul

 

[petrosky]

To add my 2 cents.

I was like Paul. I had to redesign update some very old and quite involved database projects from Access 97 to 2007.

The ribbon just didn't sit well. However, after using the app (2007) for some time, it like most things became second nature.

I did find myself googling to locate silly things but it's all good now.

Peter.

Remember- It's nice to be important,
but it's important to be nice

 

[dhookom]

You might want to check out Jeff Conrad's web site Access Junkie

Access 2007 is one of the biggest releases in Access history in my opinion. With a completely new User Interface, new file format, new database engine (ACE), new Navigation Pane, new Form and Report Layout views, new Split Form View, new Report View, and a host of new functions geared towards the Power User and hard core Developer, get ready for some serious "shock and awe" in 2007.

Duane
Hook'D on Access
MS Access MVP

 

[Remou]

I thought Microsoft's aim, originally, was the interconnection of all things computing, and the Jet engine was quite a nice step in this direction in that you could rely on pretty nearly anyone having it. I am not opposed to new, but I am very much for integration.

http://lessthandot.com