Forum Discussion
How to create Microsoft Access web app?
Given the fact that this relational database application is intended for external use, as well as internal use, Access is a non-starter as a stand-alone solution. You can't expect your clients to use Access.
That said, there is room for a hybrid solution, IMO, with an in-house Access FE through which you can manage administrative tasks, create reports and similar functions using the same remote data source as the one driving your website.
Having implemented such a solution 12 or 12 years ago for a major University, I can say with confidence that a well-designed relational database solution combining the strengths of a desk-top Access interface and a web-browser interface can make for a strong solution.
Again, though, the fact that your clients will judge the competence of the school on their experience means to me that this is not a suitable "first-time in Access" project.
- George
I fully agree, to a point. As you said, for internal purposes the hybrid solution can be an excellent solution. But because he mentioned clients as well, I pushed Access aside.
That said, this could be a 2 pronged solution, hybrid for internal and once that is working smoothly, then look towards building a web solution. As long as the specs for the project are at properly from the start then this could be very doable.- Thank you Daniel, I am looking for a programmer to work on this project. Thank you so much for your support. I am also looking at filemaker pro. Have you used it?
- I've never used it personally, but did look at various alternative very seriously. What I found was most were very expensive and thus I've shifted over to PHP/MySQL, sometimes Azure. Not only are the cheaper, but I'm not tied to any company and it is much, much, much more flexible and versatile.
Ask that to say, check the costs very attentively!
I should have been more clear. For the Sports Equipment testing lab at a major university, only internal users had the Access FE, linked to two SQL Server databases, one on-premises, the other on a remote host. The Access FE was used to collect and manage incoming test data. It then pushed summary data to the remote SQL Server database via a series of pass-thru queries and linked tables.
Their separate web app used that remote, or "cloud" database to collect requests for testing from clients and to present test result data to their clients and to any member of the public who wants to see the status of various pieces of equipment they might be considered for purchase.
Access has a big role to play here, as does the web-browser based application.
- Thank you so much for your message. Looking at the amount of work needed, I am trying to see if I can find someone to do it professionally. I was wondering if you have recommendations for any good programmers etc.. and the kind of cost involved in such a project?
- Thanks George. I appreciate your support. I am trying to work with a programmer now. I am also looking at filemaker pro as an alternative.
