Please forgive me if I've posted to the wrong group- it's my first time here. I currently have a complex Access 2007 database that I'd like to duplicate so it can be run on a mac, without using parallels and windows. It needs to be able to be encrypted (AES 256 bit preferred, suggestions welcome), and be able to be distributed in a run-time format, for sale to users. It does not need to be HIPAA compliant, but similar security standards would apply. Importing from Excel is a must, as well as being able to export sections of data (via xml) to an iPhone, iPad, etc., and possibly to Android. Attaching photos, files, etc are a huge plus.
![App App](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125405825/701949778.jpg)
Available on Mac and now universal for iPhone and iPad and also Apple Watch, Tap Forms allows you to access your data on any device, anytime, anywhere. Enter your data faster than ever using our spreadsheet-style view. Click a cell in.
![Database Database](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125405825/763456125.jpg)
While I just upgraded my OS to Yosemite for development, user platforms could vary. The program does not need to have internet access except during product registration. For this version, being able to be used on the Mac will be enough. We have an app for iPhone that we use to view selected exported data. If we could go cross platform onto PC that would be nice, but not required. A server application for the future is a possibility. I'm open to all suggestions - thank you!
IMHO, Access is a bloated, inelegant monster of a program. It seems to have 'grown like Topsy', especially during early years, and has become so HUGE and awkward that I imagine adapting it to another operating system would be a nightmare. Don't get me wrong - I use it; I need it; I can't run my organization without it. And I hate it. So, don't look to Microsoft for a solution. Their Office for Mac was great - I use it as well, but Access may present to big a challenge to be worth it to them.
Looking into Filemaker now.
There is no full replacement for Microsoft Access on the Mac. Possible options are:. LibreOffice, as suggested by others, contains the 'Base' module, which is more or less an incomplete clone of Microsoft Access. Depending on your use case, you might be missing many critical features. Even basic stuff like import/export is very limited in LibreOffice. LibreOffice on the Mac can not open Access databases. FileMaker is a very comprehensive database application that can do most things possible in Access.
It is, however, pretty expensive. Filemaker has the advantage of being available for Windows as well.
Migrating from Access to Filemaker is not trivial, and you will have to recreate most forms etc. There are several websites that offer migrating Access databases to FileMaker for you for a fee. If you want to share databases with others, you can use Filemaker server to do that. Bento is a low-cost and more intuitive database app from the same company as Filemaker. Again, you will need to recreate most of your database design, there is no direct import of Access databases. SQLite is a free, bare database engine included with Mac OS X.
Most people will prefer using it with a graphical client like Base from Menial. SQLite is only an SQL engine, there are no forms or fancy user interfaces like in Access. For reading Access databases, you can use. (Disclaimer: I am the developer of MDB Viewer). However, this app only allows you to read tables, and does not support queries or forms, or editing databases.
In the documentation on my website I have compiled a more detailed list of, along with instructions how to migrate from Access. Neo Office is a full-featured set of office applications for Mac OS X. It was created almost ten yrs ago when there was no Open Office for Mac available. Its offers a better alternative to the likes of OpenOffice & Libre Office. (Whatever they can do, Neo Office can do it more natively on a Mac).