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 Access 2007 = Mixed Results, 2008-08-18
I have been using Microsoft Access since the early 1990s, and I have been teaching it in the classroom and online for over a decade. I was a contract database developer for many years.
Access is one of my favorite programs. It has all the power that most people and small businesses need to create extraordinary databases, yet it's easy to use. You can be up and running with Access in just a few hours with the help of a good book or tutorial.
If you are new to Microsoft Access, and you have never used it before, you're going to LOVE Access 2007. The interface is clean. There are plenty of features, and you should have no problems navigating it - especially if you're familiar with the new interface in Word 2007 or Excel 2007.
If you have been using Access for a few years, and are used to previous versions, such as Access 2003 or XP, be ready for a new learning curve. It's going to take you a while to figure out where Microsoft put everything with the new "ribbon" menu system. Personally, I don't like it - but then again, I'm not used to it yet.
Do NOT purchase Access 2007 to upgrade your business database thinking it's going be a smooth, easy transition. Unless you have a few WEEKS to kill learning the new interface, upgrading your database, and ironing out the rough spots. Most of my databases upgraded without a hitch, but a few of them had VBA code that just wouldn't work in the new version.
DO purchase Access 2007 if you're new to Access, or you want to take the time to learn the new system, experiment with it, or build NEW databases. It is a wonderful program. I just wish that Microsoft would have kept those of us in mind who have been using their product for the past umpteen years before completely redesigning the interface.
Richard Rost
President
AccessLearningZone.com
Author of Microsoft Access 101 Video Tutorials & eBook
P.S. I've seen some other comments on here about using a "real" database like SQL Server or Oracle. Yes, I agree that Access doesn't have the most powerful database engine, but it's fine for 99% of small businesses. Plus, you can always upgrade later and keep your Access front-end attached to an SQL Server engine.
 MS Access 2007 Review, 2008-07-29
I'm pleased with Access '07. I would suggest a good manual or guide book to aid you through the various functions.
 Good FileMaker imitation, 2008-07-07
I am not sure what MS hoped to accomplish with this version of Access, other than to make it easier for most Access users, who seem to use Access as a glorified Excel spreadsheet. Having developed in Access for many years, this major revision is a little off-putting. It looks just like FileMaker, which I personally dislike.
That being said, it has all the basic functionality of the older versions, except with a very forced FileMaker interface that is hard to overcome. You can down-convert to mdb files, so that is a good feature. Otherwise, the most significant update is the menu ribbons, which are a pain to relearn, and the XML formatting, which remains to be seen if it will be useful in the Office environment. Since they are pushing SharePoint quite succesfully, I think this will pay off for MS in the long run, but otherwise, just be prepared to shell out some retraining dollars.
Access Review, 2008-03-24
This product is overpriced for its use. It is rarely used in the school world. This product to most is hard to use and requires better HELP programs in the software.
6 of 7 customers found the following review helpful:
Acess -- not for the timid, 2007-11-24
This is an excellent program with a steep learning curve. You have to follow its rules exactly. Familiarity with the new ribbon interface is a must.
I found the book "Access, The Missing Manual" to be a big help.
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