User-Friendly

• Microsoft Access is similar to other Microsoft Office programs because of the wizards used throughout the database. Wizards guide the users step-by-step through the creation of database objects which is an advantage of Access. The user does not need to know any computer programming or advanced database languages in order to use Access. On the other hand, if a user is computer savvy, he can customize Access to suit his needs specifically. For example, the Visual Basic computer language is used to expand Access's capabilities. Microsoft Access is both user-friendly for the average computer user and one who is highly knowledgeable.
  
  

Information Handling

• Access can handle up to 2 GB of data. Queries can be built to access, modify, delete or add to the data in the tables. The information can be quickly modified on a wholesale basis as opposed to using an employee to manually update each record. Access can also link to enterprise databases such as AS/400 and JD Edwards. To pull information from the enterprise systems, in Access, the user must specify the type of information needed from the enterprise database. Access will use this information to pull records from the enterprise system and place them in the Access database. Again, the user does not need to know a specific computer language in order to gather the information.
  
  

Export to Other Programs

• Access easily and readily integrates with other Microsoft Office programs. Tables can be created in Access manually or through the use of wizards. However, if the data resides in Excel, the Excel data can be imported into Access; so, the user does not need to re-create the data. At the same time, if the data resides in Access, it can be exported to Excel. Reports created in Access can also be exported to Microsoft Excel and Word. The ability to transfer data between the various Microsoft Office programs saves time and money because information does not need to be re-created.
  
  

Versatility

• Because Microsoft Access can be purchased off-the-shelf, individuals and companies can readily use it. Individuals can use it to track weight loss progress or household inventory. Companies can use it to track millions of dollars in receivables and sales. Modifiable templates are available on the Microsoft Office Access website. Access is so versatile that one person can use many Access databases or an entire company department can use one Access database for their information needs.
  
  

Security

• Microsoft Access has features that allow the administrator to prohibit access to certain parts of the database. The components of the database can be hidden or password-protected. This feature ensures that confidential information remains secure and that users cannot inadvertently modify the operations of the database.