Need a little direction for research about cloud platforms

[redpenner]

As the title suggests, I've been tasked with researching cloud-based platforms to "replace" our existing Access database with something more user-friendly.

I am an Access 2010 "power user" (not a programmer) at a non-profit, and created a database to manage client info, billing, and other reporting needs. The BE is 140,764 KB and consists of 47 tables (23 of which are static/lookup tables - no lookup fields used, no multi-selection fields, a couple of calculated fields). One of the tables has a memo field (max so far is about 9000 characters) that has contributed most of the volume to the database. In the FE, I have a LOT of queries, some pretty complex (chained, union, grouped, date arithmetic, dlookup), a few forms (some include dlookup or VBA components). I have MS Word and Excel pulling live data for mail merges and linked spreadsheets (and pivot tables, anticipating a future move to Access 2016). My database is normalized except for 1 or 2 duplicate fields that I couldn't figure out how to reduce. I do most of the data entry myself, but staff use the forms and reports.

My employers are now asking if the database can be "moved" to a cloud-based platform and want me to see how feasible it is. Suggestions for me to look at included QuickBase and Zoho. What they'd like is for our staff to be able to pull up an app to view the reports and forms they want on their tablets and smart phones, and additionally they are interested in possibly marketing the database (excluding the data) to other businesses in our field.



Like I said, I'm not a programmer, but it seems like with the complicated queries and forms we need to use, one of these simple cloud databases just isn't going to be able to duplicate what we have with Access. (I know putting the data tables in the cloud is not going to be a problem.) I suspect some sort of SQL Server solution is more what we should be looking at.

Also, I realize that a computer expert is the one who should be advising them on this. They have said they would consult one, but they want me to weigh in on it first. (We don't have anyone like that on staff.)

What should I be looking at? They want me to contact platforms like QuickBase etc. to view demos and ask questions. I'm preparing a list of criteria that any new solution will have to meet as well as a copy of our database with sensitive data scrubbed.

Any direction would be appreciated. I know I'm over my head here, but I need to tell them something before they will involve an expert.

[orange]

What specifically is prompting the move?
I have no experience with the cloud, but MS has curtailed any Access activity in that area. AWA (Access web applications) has been terminated/dropped by M$oft.
As I understand things there is no migration path for Ms Access to the cloud.
I have a colleague who has moved from Access and other software to Alpha Anywhere, but the cost is very high.

Good luck with your research. I'm sure others here would be interested in your findings and any decisions you might make.

[redpenner]

Specifically, the move is being prompted by the company's desire to make money selling a "prettier" version of our FE, which has a lot of custom queries/reports/forms that companies in our industry in our state could use.

They say they also want staff to be able to access data from mobile devices, but I really don't think demand for that would justify the cost of setting something up. And they say they want staff to do more data entry, but again I think that kind of unlikely.

I will take a look at that Alpha Software. It looks interesting. Thanks!

[orange]

You may find this link helpful, although it isn't about options. It is about the good, bad and ugly of Access.

Update: Here is a link with some comparison info for products

I found this comparison and other info as a result of using

Google with this as criteria from ms access to "what" dealing with mobile devices and cloud

[redpenner]

Thanks again! I've sent out a couple of emails to request further information.

[CJ_London]

selling a "prettier" version of our FE

beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Moving to a web based front end means a complete rewrite and it is very likely that a number of features that exist in Access will not be easily available on the web. They each meet different requirements. If your requirements have changed then so be it.

What they'd like is for our staff to be able to pull up an app to view the reports and forms they want on their tablets and smart phones

this is something that can be achieved by using terminal server or citrix - both at a cost. Basically users log in to the server and run access on the server. All transactions take place there, the only thing that crosses the network are screen updates one way and mouse and keyboard events the other.

In either event, you aught to get your bosses to put a value on 'what it is worth' before spending too much time investigating opportunities, the lower the budget the fewer the possibilities

[redpenner]

Good input - thanks. Since we don't have on-site IT support, the cost is likely to go way beyond the cost of the solution itself.