Microsoft Access

Software Overview

Microsoft Access is a relational database management system (RDBMS) for the desktop environment. The software is primarily designed for single users, but it provides many features found in large scale RDBMS applications like Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle Database. Unlike most other Microsoft Office applications, Access is only available for Windows.

Access offers visual tools for creating and populating databases. It includes workflow tools for making online database-driven Web applications, which are useful for collaborative data entry and data management. After creating and developing a Web app in Access, you can publish it to a Microsoft SharePoint server or an Office 365 site.

Microsoft Access also includes a full set of tools for database management, allowing you to develop simple to complex databases. For example, you can generate schemas, build input forms, and create reports without having to write any database code. Complete Access databases are encapsulated as .ACCDB files (or .MDB files for older versions), which can easily be transferred to other computers – something that is not easily accomplished with most large-scale RDBMS applications.

Access is commonly used in small to mid-sized professional environments for tracking inventories, customer information, and other business-related data. Its affordability and ease of use make it a good option for tracking your contacts or personal assets at home as well.

Primary File Type

.ACCDBAccess 2007 Database

Supported File Types

Additional Related File Types