Online SQL Databases

Combining an online SQL Database for data collection and an Access application for data analysis can be a powerful tool. If there are many clients they can use a browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox etc.) to input their data on a Website in an easy and accessible way. The main users can then run an Access application connected to the online SQL database to carry out more detailed work on the data.

Example applications:

  • Online Grant Application Forms
  • Business Partnership Information
  • Medical Trial Results
  • Questionnaires
  • Online Booking
  • Volunteer Activity Information

The website stores its data in an online SQL database  - these are typically MySQL or SQL Server databases.

The information gathered by the website can then be analysed by an Access Database linked directly to the online database, providing a level of detail not easily obtained using a browser. A secure connection to the server is used to to prevent unauthorised access to the data.

This gives the combined applications the best of both worlds - the Website based online data entry gives easy access for the users to enter data, while the system users can use their direct link through Microsoft Access to analyse the data collected.