MS Access Online: How to Migrate Database Apps to the Cloud

Although once among the most popular applications for creating simple databases, it’s fair to say that MS Access has run its course. Its limitations in today’s era of cloud computing have become increasingly unacceptable.

Microsoft completely shut down all Access web apps and web databases in Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Online. So, users either had to limit web apps to an on-prem desktop database or manually migrate to new, unfamiliar cloud platforms.

However, there’s a better, hassle-free alternative.

Here’s how you can easily bring MS access online using Caspio.

The Best Microsoft Access Alternative

Thought data silos were challenging in the office?

With 88% of organizations encouraging or requiring remote work, it’s more pressing that you transition to the cloud now. Data silos and the lack of online features in MS Access today make it virtually impossible to collaborate. Teleworking teams must be equipped with the right tools.

Your business records belong in a centralized online database — one that’s securely accessible from anywhere and maintains the tried and tested functionalities popularized by Microsoft Access.

Long hailed as the “Microsoft Access of the Cloud,” Caspio’s all-in-one platform allows you to keep the strengths of your MS Access database and build upon them online.

From visual drag-and-drop tools to familiar data types and relationships, Caspio has everything you want out of Access — but with robust cloud capabilities. No on-prem servers or coding required. Everything is powered behind the scenes by enterprise-grade cloud infrastructure.

You don’t even need to start from scratch. Importing your Access tables into Caspio is as simple as attaching files to your email.

Step Up From MS Access and Legacy Tools

Caspio’s no-code development platform lets you bring legacy database apps and MS Access online. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

With Caspio, you can build secure, scalable cloud-based applications that foster collaboration and increase team productivity — without dealing with the complexities of traditional software development.

Here are vital Caspio features you won’t find in MS Access:

Unlimited users

Scale with as many concurrent users and builders without sacrificing performance. Caspio empowers all businesses, regardless of size, to work on one platform at no extra cost.

Embedded web apps

Deploy your no-code interfaces on any website, intranet, portal or CMS, including SharePoint. You can even apply accurate localizations and custom styling to match your unique brand.

No-code automation

Take advantage of visual drag-and-drop tools to achieve sophisticated tasks and triggered actions. Caspio also supports automated import and export of data from external sources.

Online integrations

Choose from over 2,000 third-party applications and services to supercharge your custom web apps. Easily integrate with standard enterprise tools like Microsoft Office and popular cloud services like MailChimp, Google Sheets and more.

Security and compliance

Caspio alleviates the burden of securing your own physical servers. Rest assured your systems abide by IT-approved standards and strict compliance requirements like HIPAA, PCI DSS, FERPA and other regulations.

By combining all these features, you’ll be able to rebuild any existing MS Access database or application in Caspio, without having to write code.

How To Migrate an Access Database App Online

Caspio was designed with Access users in mind. Those familiar with the Microsoft database tool will find it easy to pick up where they left off, without losing vital data.

Here’s how you can migrate a database application from MS Access in three easy steps:

Step 1: Import Your Data

To use MS Access databases as the starting point for your web app, first export your Access data to an Excel or CSV file format. Then, when creating a new application in Caspio, import the exported file to upload your tables online in just a few seconds. No manual copy-pasting required. You can import data from any desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Step 2: Configure Your Tables

Caspio gives you the ability to adjust your imported tables before finalizing the configuration of your online database. You can do this step any time within the platform. The transfer includes field names and data types. With Caspio, you won’t need to rebuild your Access database from scratch.

Step 3: Build Powerful Web Apps

We then built a new and improved version of the bug tracking app using point-and-click tools and step-by-step wizards. We made a secure login interface, an input form to create and assign bugs, a professional report to track the progress. We also activated a commenting function and dynamic charts to track metrics. All this without writing code.

Accelerate Digital Transformation With No Code

Caspio not only lets you migrate your Microsoft Access databases and apps to the cloud; it also allows you to build tools for digital transformation without coding.

Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, which operates 800 stores with 3,000 employees, previously used a combination of handwritten paper logs, spreadsheets and Microsoft Access as a “system”. When their database crashed and failed to recover, they searched for an alternative and found Caspio. Since then, they have created over 40 Caspio-powered apps for the entire organization, from inventory management to e-commerce to loss prevention and risk management.

Raise Learning of Australia, which prepares youngsters for formal education, knew they needed to collaborate with families of children to reach their goals. However, their MS Access database didn’t allow them to gather and manage data in the cloud. Using Caspio, they built a cloud-based application that enabled educators and families to work together online. Their app has been operational for 10 years now and houses over 25,000 curriculum ideas for their teachers.

Ready to say goodbye to legacy systems and migrate your business to the cloud?

Sign up for a 14-day trial now or schedule a FREE project consultation to learn more about bringing MS Access online and other possibilities using no code.