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11 Microsoft Access Alternatives for 2025

Microsoft Access is one of the most popular database solutions for businesses of all kinds. Historically, it offered quite a unique take on the data management space, combining a database engine, GUIs, and tools for developing end-user solutions. However, many businesses are seeking out more modern alternatives, with the rise of new technologies including NoSQL tools, big data, AI, low-code development, and more. Despite this, countless businesses still use Access. Indeed - and to its credit - it’s been at the center of all kinds of solutions for decades.

Ronan McQuillan

Mar 20, 2025

Workflow Management Database Design

Today we’re going to guide you through exactly how to create a workflow management database design - from scratch. This can form the basis of all sorts of solutions - including workflow management tools, approval apps, automated solutions - and a whole raft of other internal tools. See, most internal tasks and processes aren’t that complicated. In fact, most management or administrative tasks can be expressed as chains of requests and decisions.

Ronan McQuillan

Nov 21, 2024

How to Send Form Data to JSON: 4 Methods

Web forms are some of the most basic applications around. But the value we get from them really depends on what we can do with the data we gather. Most form builders are kind of limited in this regard - largely restricting us to their built-in databases. We can also go down the route of building fully custom forms. This provides greater flexibility, but it also requires a lot more from us in terms of time, effort, and expertise.

Ronan McQuillan

Oct 14, 2024

How to Create Forms for SQL Databases in 3 Steps

Databases are vital for every business. But as soon as you create your database, a question arises. How can you maintain the information you store? Of course, you could write out queries manually, but you’ll also want a way for less technical staff to enter data. This means building forms. Today we’ll look at how to create forms for SQL databases. You can also use forms to limit access to your database.

Ronan McQuillan

Oct 3, 2024

How to Create a Data Entry Form for Google Sheets in 7 Steps

Obviously, Google Sheets is great for collaboratively managing all sorts of data. There are big downsides here too though, especially if you’re working at scale. One solution is using a form to enter data into Google Sheets. Today, we’re going to look at exactly how you can do this in Budibase. There are a bunch of other ways you could do this too, of course. We’re biased, but we think Budibase is the best option.

Ronan McQuillan

Oct 1, 2024

CAP vs ACID | What's the difference?

CAP vs ACID is probably one of the most widely misunderstood questions in the world of data engineering. Today, we’re setting out to dispel any misconceptions and give you an actionable, practical guide to choosing the right data storage framework for your real-world applications. We’ll break down some pretty complex computer science theory into insights with real-world applicability - including checking out examples of what key principles look like in practice.

Ronan McQuillan

Sep 30, 2024

How to make an App from Excel Spreadsheets

We love to hate spreadsheets. They’re everywhere. We use Excel for everything from planning our vacations and weddings, to managing inventories, payroll, and just about any other business process under the sun. But, like any blunt instrument, spreadsheets are almost the most elegant solution. Today, we’re going to look at a better way to manage data, calculations, and workflows. That is, how to make an app from Excel spreadsheets. You see, spreadsheets offer a huge amount of flexibility - there’s a reason why they’re so ubiquitous.

Ronan McQuillan

Sep 21, 2024

What is a Wide-Column Database?

Wide-column databases are one of the most important types of NoSQL data storage solutions. Countless businesses use them every day, especially in analytics and big data workflows. But, if you go searching for a clear, concise definition, there’s a good chance you’re going to be left disappointed. Unless you like technical marketing jargon. Today, we’re filling that gap. Specifically, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about wide-column databases - including what they are, how they work, what they’re used for, and how they fit into the bigger picture of the data management landscape.

Ronan McQuillan

Sep 19, 2024