Microsoft Access to cloud migration: the why and the how

While Microsoft Access was once an innovative database, it is now looking more and more like an outdated system. As many businesses go serverless, it’s essential to consider the benefits of Microsoft Access to cloud migration.

Microsoft Access is nearly 30 years old, which means it’s under constant threat of reaching the end of Microsoft support. If you think your version of Microsoft Access may be expiring soon, double-check the Microsoft lifecycle search.

And if you work with sensitive data, you’ll need the more extensive security that software like SQL Server has to offer. Many of our clients who need to migrate Access to the cloud opt to use SQL Server as the database with an Access front end.

On top of this, the unique Access file format means there’s a lack of built-in integration with other common business software.

For these reasons, it’s clear that Microsoft Access to cloud migration is a priority. In this article we’ll walk you through some of the benefits of moving your data to a cloud solution such as Microsoft Azure.

1. Strong data security

Microsoft has a team of 3,500 cybersecurity experts protecting Azure from global threats. They also provide a high level of redundancy and around-the-clock maintenance. And multi-factor authentication means that you no longer have to rely purely on your login details for security.

2. Reduced costs

Azure storage is affordable and scalable, with prices starting at just £0.00061 per GB per month. Because Microsoft looks after the maintenance, this will reduce your office overheads and help you optimise your space.

3. Worldwide connectivity

Once you’ve migrated your data to the cloud, you can access it from anywhere in the world. Your employees will now be able to work from home without impacting the standard of work.

4. Web applications

Moving your database to the cloud means you can connect any number of new applications to that data. Meanwhile, only a small amount of your Access applications’ functionality needs to be online.

How we help Access migration

With over three decades in the business, we are qualified to find the ideal set-up for your requirements. We offer end-to-end support to ensure your unique Access migration needs are met. Here are just some of the services we offer:

Access to Azure

We can help you migrate your database and improve productivity with your current Access application. Our tried and tested process helps minimise migration effort and user disruption while maximising ROI.

Custom development

If you need to create a new database application, we can use Azure’s low-code development tools to deliver much faster than traditional web development.

Source code control

With our assistance, you can protect your Access investment by managing the source code in a hosted repository. We also offer set-up and training for Access Source Code Control utilities.

Access support

If you currently have an Access application that’s been abandoned by developers, we have the expertise to help. You can rely on us for data migration, integration, and custom development.

Planning a move to the cloud can raise a lot of questions in a business owner’s head. For an example of a successful migration, see our recent case study:

Recycling company solves data corruption issues through cloud database integration

Optimise your data in the cloud

Our team of digital experts have decades of enterprise cloud experience. So whatever your business plans to achieve with the cloud, we’ll provide end-to-end consultation, management, and support.

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