HN, this is something that I've always been interested in: Why isn't there a modern piece of software akin to Microsoft’s Access? I know there are plenty of issues in scaling these kind of systems, and that these kind of platforms can feel clunky and unwieldy but I still find it surprising that there isn’t a simple platform for creating CRUD apps. It doesn’t seem like an unachievable goal to me: you need the ability to create forms, design database tables, manage user permissions, manage data workflow (ie: send an sms if , seek approval from for ), and view/search data. I’m certain these features would be useful for all kinds of business scenarios where building, maintaining, and hosting a custom solution isn’t worthwhile, or would be unideal compared to using a standardised tool. Are there tools in this space that I’m missing? If not, why isn’t this being pursued? Eagerly looking forward to your thoughts.
Ask HN: Why isn't there a modern MS Access clone?
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Re: Ask HN: Why isn't there a modern MS Access clone?
#2Did you take a look at Libre Office Base [1]? It seems similar to MS Access, though I haven't used it.
Re: Ask HN: Why isn't there a modern MS Access clone?
#3Did you take a look at Libre Office Base [1]? It seems similar to MS Access, though I haven't used it. [1] http://www.libreoffice.org/discover/base/
Interesting! I was thinking more along the lines of a web application, but it's nice to see an (actively maintained/developed?) somewhat-literal clone of Access.
Re: Ask HN: Why isn't there a modern MS Access clone?
#4MS Access is just a FileMaker clone, and FileMaker is still going strong, so I fail to see the problem.
Re: Ask HN: Why isn't there a modern MS Access clone?
#5Maybe because writing an Access database still requires a programmer, and you can get better value by hiring a PHP programmer to write two pages and three tables.
Re: Ask HN: Why isn't there a modern MS Access clone?
#6FileMaker Pro has been around forever and is still supported with new versions as far as I know.
Re: Ask HN: Why isn't there a modern MS Access clone?
#7MS Access is just a FileMaker clone, and FileMaker is still going strong, so I fail to see the problem.
FileMaker seems to have a web based solution too.
Re: Ask HN: Why isn't there a modern MS Access clone?
#8Although not an exact replacement to Ms Access the types of products marketed by big tech to "technical BA's" appeal to that requirement.
Building apps with clicks not code is the utopia these people are seeking, so the vendors will do everything they can to appeal to that.
There are literally heaps in this category, but one that really started it all is Salesforce and their force.com product, they are selling the dream like no-one else.
More frequently coming up now is MS PowerApps and MS Flow coupled with either SharePoint lists or Microsoft's Common Data Service because they are included for free in the Enterprise Office 365 SKUs.
Dynamics 365 offers a lot in this space but is more pricey (the $10 team license is good value though). Zoho Creator is another example too.
Re: Ask HN: Why isn't there a modern MS Access clone?
#9LibreOffice Base?
Re: Ask HN: Why isn't there a modern MS Access clone?
#10Does Airtable fit? It does for me