How to Migrate Access Database to SQL Server?

Microsoft Access has been one of the most widely used information management tools for nearly three decades. It is a more powerful solution than spreadsheets and other similar applications for storing information for reference, reporting, and analysis. Additionally, the relational database can be used by skilled developers to create a wide range of functionalities faster than similar development platforms. However, Access databases have several limitations.

Access databases are limited to 2 GB in size and can only concurrently support up to 255 users. Additionally, Access applications are not designed to scale or be exposed to the internet, limiting their functionality. In this article, we will explain how to migrate an Access database to SQL Server.

Why Upgrade Access Database to SQL Server?

Migrating Access databases to SQL Server will help businesses take advantage of improved scalability in addition to the rapid application development capability of Access. Here are the other advantages of upgrading Access databases to SQL Server.

  • It can handle more concurrent users than Access with significantly escalating memory requirements.
  • It supports dynamic backups, that can either be incremental or complete. With this capability, users can continue to work even while the backup is in progress.
  • It processes queries faster and with greater efficacy than Access databases.
  • It supports complex security schemes making it a more reliable solution for storing sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, credit card data, and addresses.
  • Databases can be recovered automatically in the event of a system crash or power outage.
  • Internet-facing Access applications are better supported with a SQL Server back-end that can be deployed behind the VPN firewall.

How to Convert Access Database to SQL Server?

The Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) can be used for migrating Access database to SQL Server. Follow the steps below to migrate tables and queries from Access to SQL Server.

  • Install the SSMA software using the MSI file on the computer with the Access database file.
  • Update the linked tables and set data types as required by the version of the SQL Server.
  • Generate the SSMA assessment report to fix errors and warnings before moving Access objects to SQL Server.
  • Install the latest version of the SQL Server OLE DB and ODBC drivers on each computer where the converted database will be used.
  • Migrate the Access tables and link them to the SQL Server that now hosts the data.
  • Resolve issues arising from incompatible queries, datatypes, and Visual Basic Applications (VBA) functions, if any after migration.
  • Optimize the performance of the back-end SQL Server by putting logic on the server, avoiding heterogeneous queries, using views in forms and reports in Access, and minimizing loading data in them.

Apps4Rent Can Help Migrate Access Databases to The Cloud

Although the SSMA simplifies Access to SQL Server migration, it cannot convert forms, reports, macros, and VBA modules. Additionally, there are significant manual efforts involved in mapping Access and SQL Server data types. Some of these tasks can be automated using third-party tools.

As a Microsoft Gold Partner in several competencies, including Cloud Platform and Cloud Collaboration, Apps4Rent can help businesses migrate Access databases to SQL Server. We can provide appropriate licenses and can provide managed Azure services for businesses that opt for the Azure SQL Server option. Alternatively, we can provide Access hosting services for businesses that are not ready to upgrade to SQL Server but need improved security, scalability, and accessibility. Contact our Access modernization consultants available 24/7 via phone, chat, and email for assistance.

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