If you have team members across multiple locations or working remotely, your Custom Access software can work with Cloud solutions such as Azure SQL databases and MS SharePoint.
With your data resting in the cloud, your team members can access live, current data from anywhere with an internet connection. Although online systems are not as fast as office (or local) systems, with current broadband speeds and the right design the drop in performance should not be a major concern.
Which Cloud Solution works best for your business?
| SharePoint | SQL Azure | |
| User Interface | Local copy of MS Access | Local copy of MS Access |
| User Interface | Local copy of MS Access | Local copy of MS Access |
| Data Location | Sharepoint Lists | SQL database |
| Can handle Offline usage | Yes | No |
| True relational database | No | Yes |
| Stores attachments directly within database | Yes | No |
| Best suited to | Low volume of transactions with attachments requiring offline capabilities | High volume of transactions requiring speed |
| VBA code available | Yes | Yes |
| Example | Organisation with multiple sites or remote workers requiring document storage, e.g. Engineers, Architects, Surveyors etc.. | Organisation with high number of transactions requiring robust system that is accessible from several online locations, e.g. Event Organisers/Supporters, Car Parts/Repairs, Accountants etc.. |
Remote Working with Custom Access Software
As you can see, there are quite a few things to take into consideration when deciding which route to go. Converting your Access software to work with the cloud will give you extra capabilities.
Team members can access the data from anywhere with an internet connection. Your employees can still update data and pull reports when working from home or from a client’s office. With the right blend of set up and system design there is not much of a performance drop with modern broadband speeds.
Contact us now to talk over your options for Access Software, the Cloud and Remote Working.
