Using MS Access with Azure SQL Server

Question

I've been using on premise MS SQL for a back end and MS Access to create the user interface for almost 20 years.

I now want to use an Azure, cloud based, SQL server but I'm confused on what user interface building tool would work best for me. Access will no longer work for me since I won't be able to distribute the interface to the far flung users that are not under my control. Even if I could distribute the Access front end (say, as a MDA) I could not force users to replace old version with new versions when I roll out new features.

I'm open to any and all suggestions. I would like, though, for it to be somewhat similar to Access if possible since this old dog doesn't want to learn a whole new trick.

Thanks!

Answer 1

You can still use Access and distribute the Free Runtime Version should they not have Access at their disposition.

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Daniel Pineault, 2010-2016 Microsoft MVP
Professional Support: http://www.cardaconsultants.com  
MS Access Tips and Code Samples: http://www.devhut.net

Answer 2

Hi Al,

You should still be able to use Access as a Front End. People can download it from a website. You can also force an upgrade by using a table/record in the SQL Azure backend to check if there's a new version.

Otherwise, if you want to try something new, you could look into Power BI.

Just my 2 cents...

Answer 3

How about LightSwitch? Here is some info:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff852064.aspx

How to: Host a LightSwitch Application on Microsoft Azure

https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/bethmassi/2012/10/18/easily-deploy-your-lightswitch-apps-to-azure-websites-in-minutes/

https://www.nimbo.com/blog/connecting-to-microsoft-sql-azure-with-microsoft-visual-studio-lightswitch/

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Paul ~~~~ Microsoft MVP (Visual Basic)

Answer 4

True but the users are doctors, nurses, pharmacists in their own offices. We're talking 100's of individual users many of whom will be a struggle to just get them to do an install never mind updates. It needs to be cloud based.

Answer 5

True but the users are doctors, nurses, pharmacists in their own offices. We're talking 100's of individual users many of whom will be a struggle to just get them to do an install never mind updates. It needs to be cloud based. I'll take a look at Power BI. Thanks

Answer 6

Paul, Thanks much. This looks like it will work for me

Answer 7

Hi Al,

Good luck. Let us know how it goes...