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Four Things to Love About Microsoft Access 2007:

For many years now, Microsoft Access has been one of the most popular of all desktop database programs. Along with its bigger cousin, Microsoft SQL, Microsoft Access has helped form the core of database development for many small, medium and large businesses, and with the new version, Microsoft Access 2007, on the horizon it is important for workers to learn about the new features and benefits of this new program.

Those who have been using Access 2000, Access XP or Access 2003 will recognize much of the interface of Microsoft Access 2007, but there are some notable differences, and a new look as well. It is important for those considering upgrading to the new version to understand the unique features and benefits of the 2007 version of Microsoft Access.

Tabbed Interface

One of the first differences users of past Access programs will notice is the very different user interface. The main Access window within Access 2007 features a tabbed work area which holds all open objects. These tabs are a unique, and very useful, feature, of the new program.

This tabbed interface will also be a welcome change for application developers, since the new design eliminates the problem of windows becoming hidden under other windows. The new design also provides a cleaner and clearer working environment for developers and ordinary users alike.

The Navigation Pane

The release of Access 2007 also heralds the end of the old database window. The new navigation pane eliminates many of the problems that plagued earlier versions of the program. The new navigation pane remains docked at the left hand side of the screen, and this pane contains all the tables, queries, reports and other familiar database elements in an easier to use format.

The navigation pane within Access 2007 also allows users to create as many custom groups as they wish, and to provide them with meaningful and unique names. Database objects can easily be added to groups, and all those groups can be easily and quickly accessed from the navigation pane.

The New Report Layout View

Reports have always been a problematic part of Access for many users. For many user and developers, Access reports lacked the intuitive look and feel of many other programs, and it is good to see this issue being addressed in the new release. The report layout view represents a major step forward for developers and users alike.

Developers working with Access 2007 now have the option to use the layout view to adjust the placement of various controls on the surface of the report. The layout view allows the report to be displayed exactly how it will appear when the report is printed, and controls can be easily and quickly changed. In addition, the layout view provides a user friendly way to change size appearance properties as colours, fonts and column widths.

Embedded Macros

All Access developers understand the power of macros, and those developers no doubt also understand the limitations imposed on macros by previous versions of Microsoft Access. The new Access 2007 addresses many of these deficiencies, and the new embedded macros provide many of the features developers have been asking for.

In Access 2007, macros now provide support for simple variables, error handling and some limited looping. The new feature also provides developers with the ability to embed a macro within the event property of a control. This allows developers to place a button which opens a form or report, all without the need for VBA code. Instead, a simple macro can be used to accomplish these tasks.

Developers will also appreciate the fact that these embedded macros can be exported r imported with their host, so exporting a form or a report to another database will carry the embedded macros along with it.

These features will be welcomed by both long term Access users and new users alike, providing a user friendly interface and a robust database program in one easy to use package.