Back in 1999, Intuit launched Quickbase – a web-based collaborative database application that allows business people to create their own custom applications without writing code. The application is hosted by Intuit and sold by subscription.  At the time, Quickbase had quite a few advantages over Access 97 (even Access 2000).  It was web based, allowed for collaboration, and didn’t require any programming knowledge (Visual Basic for Applications – VBA).  Did I mention that Access 97 was ugly too:

Access 2010 has evolved though and Microsoft is ready for a rematch.  Here’s 5 Reasons why Quickbase can’t touch Microsoft Access 2010 & Access Web Services:

1. Access 2010 can do everything Quickbase can with no programming.  Anyone familiar with Microsoft Office will instantly feel comfortable with Access’s user interface.  You can easily add records, create queries and with Access Hosting – you can easily collaborate with other users and sync your data online without any programming knowledge.  Unlike Quickbase, Access 2010 is still compatible with VBA and other programming languages – so power users shouldn’t feel snubbed.

2. Access 2010 is software – not Browserware. That means you don’t NEED an internet connection to work with your database.  Just like Quickbase, and Access App can work in the browser and sync online, but has the added advantage of working locally as well.  If your internet connection goes down or if you are on the road, you can continue to add records to your database.  Next time you connect to the internet, Access will sync with your online database and upload your new records.

3. Access Web Services has a Back-Up Plan.  With Access you don’t have to worry about service outages (Bad Quickbase). Unfortunately, Quickbase works entirely in the cloud on Intuit’s servers.  Imagine if your Small Business can’t access its application or data for days because of an outage (Intuit suffered outages on between June 16 and June 17, June 20, and July 14).  With Access 2010, everything is stored locally and can run natively in a Windows Client. You can still get some work done even if your server/host goes down.

4. Access has Macros.  Macros allow you to automate a lot of routine reports and  actions. In 2010, Macros may be represented with XML which lends them more credibility with programmers.

5. Access is Cheaper than Quickbase. Quickbase’s monthly subscriptions start at $299 for 10 users and 1 GB of space and they own/control the hosting, the online software, and your data.  You buy Access 2010 Once and can get hosting from us for $49 and get 1GB and 5 Users.  That’s $250 Savings per Month! Did I mention that we have 99% Uptime too – no outages here.