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Microsoft Access

Microsoft Access^® is arguably one of the most underrated software packages ever produced. This is partly due to the steep learning curve required to develop robust, efficient applications, and partly due to shortfalls in early versions. Since Access 2007 the platform has become far more stable and is well-suited to the small-business environment.

Microsoft 365 has elevated Access to a whole new level. Beyond tight integration with the Office suite as a whole, it’s feature-rich, reliable, efficient, and allows excellent turnaround time when developing applications. Most business PCs already have Microsoft 365 installed, and not using a tool that’s already available is just bad business sense. It’s important to note that with each revision, Access gains features, power, and robustness.

Unfortunately, many still don’t appreciate Access’s versatility. Developers tend to promote the technologies they know best and dismiss those they haven’t used. A full-stack web developer might claim Access is “old” because they haven’t seen what current versions can do. Modern Access—especially paired with a PostgreSQL backend—is a highly versatile platform for bespoke line-of-business systems.

Since 2017, Itcan Developments has focused on creating cloud-based applications using Access as the front end and PostgreSQL as the back end over a secure VPN. This architecture delivers a fast database application (network-dependent) that you can use almost anywhere. You can even take your laptop home and continue your admin. Where needed, we also integrate with Android mobile devices.

Artificial Intelligence

The current “rage” is AI—so we asked ChatGPT about the development approach we employ.

Question: Is Microsoft Access combined with a PostgreSQL backend outdated?

Short answer: No. An Access front end with a PostgreSQL back end is a perfectly valid, modern stack for small- to mid-sized line-of-business apps—especially on Windows where you want rich forms, rapid iteration, and low TCO.

Why it’s not “outdated”

Access is current and supported as part of Microsoft 365 (and as a perpetual product), so it isn’t a dead platform.
Access is designed to talk to server databases via ODBC, which is exactly how you link to PostgreSQL.
PostgreSQL’s ODBC driver is actively maintained, so the plumbing is alive and well.

When this combo shines

Windows desktop users who need fast, bespoke apps, rich forms/reports, and a friendly UX tailored to company needs.
Teams up to a few dozen concurrent users (more with careful design), with heavy lifting pushed to the server. Microsoft’s guidance covers ODBC performance tuning for Access front ends.

Key practices (so it feels modern)

Match bitness (64-bit Access ↔ 64-bit psqlODBC) and keep drivers updated.
Prefer pass-through queries and server-side functions for heavy work; return only the columns/rows you need.

Where it’s the wrong tool

Mac-only environments, or hundreds of concurrent users with very complex workflows—consider a web stack (e.g., ASP.NET/Blazor + Npgsql) or Power Apps (still using PostgreSQL for the database).
In practice, you can also add a Mac-friendly web portal that sits alongside your Access front end, all talking to the same PostgreSQL backend.

Mobile Device Integration

Access + PostgreSQL is a mature, supported, and maintainable architecture—provided you lean on server-side execution and follow ODBC best practices. Using a cloud-based PostgreSQL backend opens the door to mobile device interaction (currently Android). Because the mobile app talks directly to the database, data from many users is captured in real time and is immediately available in the Access front end—and vice-versa.

Practical example: Generate purchase orders in the front end. When materials are delivered, use the mobile device to capture the delivery and upload a photo of the delivery note. The procurement office immediately sees the delivery details and can view the photo in the front end. This is especially useful for off-site projects receiving materials on site.

Our development framework helps us deliver a hassle-free application in the shortest practical time—always respecting project scope and specification. Access demands dedication to master, but that’s our job. Once we’re done, you simply use the application and enjoy the results. If you ever want to add features or change something, we can update centrally and automatically roll out to user PCs.