We've just released our newest version of Designer for Microsoft Access. Version 3.0 features automatic MS Access forms creation.
After the success of our first product, UI Builder, we found that most Access users never intend to become database architects, and would prefer to just get on with using their database. Thus, we created Designer to make it far easier to build Access database tables and relationships using a plain-English Q&A style wizard. Over and over, Designer customers would tell us, "you're product is great, but how do I create data entry forms that will show all the information in one place." So we went back to work on Designer to solve that problem, too.
The new Designer creates tables and relationships automatically, and then creates forms with a "header" section that displays many records as a list, and then a bottom section that contains related records from other tables. For example, if you have a "Patients" form that displays a list of all patients in your database, the bottom section of the form Designer creates can display related appointments, emergency contacts, prescriptions, visits, and notes.
What Microsoft Access problems are you trying to solve? We love a challenge, especially if many Access users will benefit!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Access Triggers are Here!
Anyone following the Microsoft Access 2010 teasers or participating in the Tech Preview knows by know that Access 2010 will have a new feature called Data Macros. They are very similar to their more robust cousin-database platforms' Table Triggers concept. Read more here:
Access Team Blog: Access 2010 Data Macros
Access Team Blog: Access 2010 Data Macros
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Microsoft Access 2010 Preview: Ribbon Customization
One of the key criticisms of Access 2007 was the new ribbon. Gone was the familiar command bar, and with it, many thousands of hours work by the Access developers that came to rely on the command bar as the main user menu.
Microsoft has invested in making life a bit easier for the everyday user that wants to customize the ribbon without custom code or the nice (free no less) utility Claton Hendricks created.
As you can see in the screenshot from the Office 2010 Tech Preview, you can create custom ribbon tabs and groups. In the preview, it doesn't appear that you'll be able to change any of the packaged ribbon tabs and groups, though.
Stay tuned for more on Access 2010 Web Form design and other enhancements...
Microsoft has invested in making life a bit easier for the everyday user that wants to customize the ribbon without custom code or the nice (free no less) utility Claton Hendricks created.
As you can see in the screenshot from the Office 2010 Tech Preview, you can create custom ribbon tabs and groups. In the preview, it doesn't appear that you'll be able to change any of the packaged ribbon tabs and groups, though.
Stay tuned for more on Access 2010 Web Form design and other enhancements...
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
What Access 2010 Web Deployment Will Mean
The world's most popular desktop database is going to the web. That's what is fairly clear now from the Access Team Blog and several other public sources. The actual deployment details are still a fairly close held secret (including yours truly), but what is certain:
1) Microsoft is renewing their commitment to MS Access. You could argue that Access 2007 sets the stage for Access 2010, but most agree Access 2007 wasn't a huge leap forward.
2) MS Access is back in the competitive game. Zoho, OpenOffice, TrackVia, Alpha5 and others have been nibbling at Access' proverbial toes for a some time now. Not with any significant success...yet.
3) Access development will change significantly, for the better. Access 2010 will most assuredly not be a repeat of the Data Access Pages debacle. Even taking web functionality out of the picture, the ability to set data macros like SQL Server triggers will be a huge step forward for any Access solutions that need higher levels of data integrity and validation.
There are more interesting points to make, but Microsoft isn't releasing the details yet, and we don't want to risk violating non-disclosure!
1) Microsoft is renewing their commitment to MS Access. You could argue that Access 2007 sets the stage for Access 2010, but most agree Access 2007 wasn't a huge leap forward.
2) MS Access is back in the competitive game. Zoho, OpenOffice, TrackVia, Alpha5 and others have been nibbling at Access' proverbial toes for a some time now. Not with any significant success...yet.
3) Access development will change significantly, for the better. Access 2010 will most assuredly not be a repeat of the Data Access Pages debacle. Even taking web functionality out of the picture, the ability to set data macros like SQL Server triggers will be a huge step forward for any Access solutions that need higher levels of data integrity and validation.
There are more interesting points to make, but Microsoft isn't releasing the details yet, and we don't want to risk violating non-disclosure!
Monday, July 20, 2009
New Microsoft Access 2010 Video
Found an online video with more previews of MS Access 2010 on YouTube.
Note the new "Blank Web Database" in the new database "Available Templates" dialog, and the "Client Forms" in the Create Ribbon Tab. Microsoft Access on the Web?
Note the new "Blank Web Database" in the new database "Available Templates" dialog, and the "Client Forms" in the Create Ribbon Tab. Microsoft Access on the Web?
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Quick Microsoft Access Overview
What Is MS Access Used For overview for any of you new to Access databases
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Is Microsoft Access Still Relevant?
With a new wave of online "databases" (which are arguably not fully functional databases, but spreadsheets with fantastic Ajax entry screens), I wondered today whether Access remains as relevant as other office productivity tools.
You might argue that Access has always been an under-utilized asset in most companies, with Excel spreadsheets being stretched to the limits to become Access-like with extensive vlookup and hlookup references. Imagine my surprise to learn that Access actually receives more searches on Google generally (click here for the trend graph source)
Note that the blue line is Access, red is Excel, and orange is (not surprisingly) Word.
Access is probably more relevant than ever, if not a bit outdated in it's delivery method (desktop only). The personal micro-databases that are quick to create, inexpensive, and don't require a computer science degree is vital to many businesses in a difficult economy where hiring consultants isn't an option, and efficiency can help you stay in business. From what I've seen so far, Access 2010 will go a long way in making Access even more relevant as a micro-database for the masses.
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You might argue that Access has always been an under-utilized asset in most companies, with Excel spreadsheets being stretched to the limits to become Access-like with extensive vlookup and hlookup references. Imagine my surprise to learn that Access actually receives more searches on Google generally (click here for the trend graph source)
Note that the blue line is Access, red is Excel, and orange is (not surprisingly) Word.
Access is probably more relevant than ever, if not a bit outdated in it's delivery method (desktop only). The personal micro-databases that are quick to create, inexpensive, and don't require a computer science degree is vital to many businesses in a difficult economy where hiring consultants isn't an option, and efficiency can help you stay in business. From what I've seen so far, Access 2010 will go a long way in making Access even more relevant as a micro-database for the masses.
z69cuhx7f4
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