The Number One Reason to Upgrade From Access to SQL Server Today

Many businesses today rely on the small database product from Microsoft called Access for much of their data management needs. Access is a great product, and is primary designed for small desktop applications. It's a great fit for a variety of reasons. It comes with some versions of Microsoft Office, so it's easily on hand when the need for a database arises. Also, it's been designed in a way which makes it pretty easy to build some simple databases even for those who don't have any skills in actual database programming. It's also pretty easy to find local training courses to help beginners with the basics.

However, there are several major reasons why Access won't work in the long term, assuming your business grows. And, since businesses either grow or die you'll likely be in this situation before too long. I'll highlight the biggest reason here.

Access is designed to be used for a small set of users, typically from one to twenty or so. Beyond that it's recommend that you should move the database up to the actual database server called Microsoft SQL Server. This system is designed for high volumes of users. The difference between a desktop database product like Access and a database server product like Microsoft SQL Server is great. The former is built for only small jobs, the later for everything bigger.

Without upgrading performance can degrade to the point of not being able to use the application. In fact it's pretty much required if you want to make any of your data available via the internet, as a web application will crash under the high numbers of users that websites can attract. The best advice is to move the database to SQL Server before you begin running into performance problems. Otherwise you're under the gun waiting for a problem.

Upgrading can often be difficult however, as the two products aren't seamlessly compatible. Microsoft has provided an "upsizing" wizard within Access. However, in real world use the built in wizard has its problems. It doesn't do a perfect job of handling all of the technical differences between the two systems. There are third party software products however which can do a better job of analyzing the structure of the Access database to pin point any issues before the transition. Those issues still have to be fixed first however before you can migrate.

So even though Access is a great product, you have to use it with a vision of upgrading it in the future or risk potential down time. The best answer of course is to upgrade to a SQL Server system before you run into any problems. The side benefit is that your data can be ready to use on the internet if your business needs it.


Daniel_Burge

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