With so many different databases – Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL – you may be wondering if Microsoft Access is still worth using these days. The Access database application was first launched in 1992. At the time, it was considered an innovative application at an affordable price. Today, things have changed. Powerful databases with endless features can be downloaded for free. So why use Access in 2020? 

Believe it or not, the reasons for using Access are plentiful. Below we’ll cover why Microsoft Access remains relevant and useful for small-scale needs. 

It’s comfortable and familiar for most users. 

Here at Arkware, many of our clients use Access because it’s comfortable and familiar. Even people with little technical experience can use Access with no problems because it mimics the look and feel of other Microsoft applications. It also doesn’t require any special hardware or custom applications, and it can be used as a front-end to another database like SQL Server. 

It supports multiple users at one time. 

Another reason why Microsoft Access is still relevant is because it’s portable and flexible. Although it’s sometimes thought of as a single-user database, Access works well with multiple users. In fact, it’s a multi-user platform by default, supporting at least 200 users simultaneously. Users are able to copy and move data, which is helpful when starting new projects or replicating the database to other locations. 

The database has a long-standing reputation and track record.

Even though some people claim that Access is dying, this is not the case at all. It remains one of the most popular relational databases, and many of our clients won’t use anything else but Access because of the perks mentioned above. With over 25 years in existence, it’s safe to say that Access has reliable technical support and a strong community. 

It’s cost-effective, especially for small businesses. 

Microsoft Access is a very affordable database solution. This allows businesses with small budgets to utilize a powerful database at an affordable price point. You can purchase Access with Microsoft 365 and also get premium versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and others, along with services like OneDrive and SharePoint. 

So is Microsoft Access still worth it in 2020? 

The short answer is, yes, Access is very much worth using. However, it’s not the best database solution for all projects. This is why it’s important to have a database consultant like Arkware. It’s possible that you may be ready to upgrade to another database like Microsoft SQL Server for improved security, performance and growth. To learn more about your database options, contact Arkware today.