Microsoft Access 2003

The popularity of Access is based on several strong features. The interface is clean and uncluttered, and you can open data tables in a familiar spreadsheet-like view. There is a visual query builder, or you can write queries in SQL, the standard database query language. Advanced features let you enforce relational integrity between tables and set validation constraints on fields. There is also an excellent report designer. The Access database engine is not suitable for very large databases, but you can scale up by switching to Microsoft's SQL Server or an ODBC database while still using the same visual tools. New in Office Access 2003 is automatic error-checking in forms, integrated support for transforming data with XSL (an XML standard), and the ability to link to lists in SharePoint Services as a convenient way to share data. A small but welcome detail is control over the font used in the SQL editor, which was fixed at a small size in earlier versions.

This is a capable product and generally a pleasure to use. The main gripe against it is that even Microsoft's wizards do not make relational database applications easy to build. FileMaker is better for non-specialists, but Office Access 2003 wins on Office integration and more comprehensive features. --Tim Anderson

I bought MS Access 2000 3 years ago. Then I upgraded to their next version MS Access 2002 upgrade but it had a policy of only working on the first computer you installed it on due to internet activation. I had two PCs(one a test PC that tends to get reimaged a lot) so that didn't work out too well and I switched back to Access 2000 and dumped the 2002 CD as my refund date had passed.

Does this new MS Access 2003 have the same policy? If so I won't buy it. Also does this new version have any "gotta have it" features or is it just the same old application made a little prettier?

I'd need a good reason to buy MS Access 2003. Lately I've been looking at other products like Star Office. Unfortunately their 6.0 version didn't have as easy a database as MS Access and Star Office didn't document that part much. I haven't seen their 7.0 version yet.

I gave this review 3 stars because I'm pretty sure Access 2003 will meet my needs if it's anywhere as good as Access 2000, but I don't like Microsoft's licensing policy and internet activation. If they have that, I won't buy. So please post a review and let me know.


Puts data in motion for any company.   October 22, 2003
Andre Da Costa (Jamaica W.I.)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This new version of Access is also XML integrated, enhanced features such as extraction of data from multiple tables, Access 2003 also improves Smart Tag integration. The ability to design solutions within the program makes web services a powerful resource for the enterprise; the flawless integration with Microsoft SQL makes information sharing a productive experience. This makes data storing and retrieval an easy way to control how data is implemented across many scenarios using personalized solutions, allowing your information to have a stronger impact across the Enterprise.