Product support – can you call the company and speak to someone who knows what they are talking about? Is there a separate support license required? Strength of company – will they be around 5 years from now?Ĭomplexity and cost of management of the core database system, separate from the database application – user management, backups, periodic updates
Initial cost of software license – site license, per workstation, etc. Issues to Consider For a Microsoft Access Alternative Other Database Systemsīefore you decide what platform to use for your database projects you’ll want to become familiar with the features and capabilities of all the leadingdatabase software products available. This solution will take more time than going the DIY route, but you will be guaranteed a solution that is tailored to your needs, as well as expertly maintained and supported throughout its lifecycle.Comparison of Microsoft Access vs. lots of data, need for a web interface, lack of expertise, etc.), then please submit an ITS Project Request and let our IT Analysts develop and build a custom database application for you. If your data management needs are more complicated than what you are able to develop OR maintain on your own (i.e. You want ITS to do your backups (NOTE: This requires that the database be stored on the FileMaker server maintained by ITS). You are okay with doing your own backups. You need to be able to email reports to others. You need to be able to email copies of the document to others. You need to easily integrate the data or document with other Microsoft Office software (e.g. The data is used by one or more people who need to access, edit, or use the data at the same time.Įxcel's data auto-formatting feature is helpful.Įxcel's data auto-formatting feature could potentially compromise the data. The data is used mainly by one person at a time. You have numerous or large data fields which could continue to grow. You have a relatively small number of data fields that are easy to browse, edit, and sort.
Below are guidelines for determining which best meets your need: Excel vs. While both spreadsheets and databases handle and manipulate data, there are times when one works better than the other. Below are guidelines for determining which best meets your need:
upgraded to the current version of the software to have access to the latest FMP features and maintain a high level of security.
Our Security and Compliance policy requires all FileMaker Pro databases be: Or, for inspiration, explore the built-in Starter Solutions for managing contacts, inventory, content, and more. FileMaker Pro (FMP) is powerful software used to create custom apps and databases that work seamlessly across iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac, and the web.īuild your own custom app to meet the unique – and changing – needs of your business processes.