Access
Access is the first choice database for small to medium size businesses, especially if you already use PCs with Windows.
It can be linked with other Microsoft products, so for example, reports can be presented in Word, or Powerpoint, data can be analysed in Excel, or communicated by Outlook.
It can be used to keep records of customer details, or stock control, or even as a full accounts system.
I've found that Access with VB allows me to create powerful, robust programs for all standard business systems: accounts, stock-control, invoicing, etc. It has the advantage, over Excel for example, in that users will need only a very minimal level of IT skill to use the program successfully. Once developed these can be easily extended and new features added.
I use Access as the core of any solution: for data capture and storage. When required I then use Excel for analysis, and Word or Powerpoint for presentation and Outlook to communicate this information.
I have gradually moved into using more and more VB code and less Macros. All my Databases are stored as two separate files: one for data and one for everything else. I use the standard naming convention for my Access objects.
I am compiling my own Access and Vb library of solutions, comprising:
- my stuff
- freeware & shareware, source code, and tips from the Web
- resources that come with the various developer handbooks I've bought
One of the best Access sites is Tony's main MS Access page, from his links page you can get to all the best Access sites and newsgroups on the web.