MS Access Migration to a Modern Web Application: Our Service
As part of the Microsoft Office suite, Access provides a low-barrier entry into the development of database-driven applications, including forms, reports, and complete application logic. In the 1990s, it was widely used by individual developers in specialist departments as well as by professional development teams at software companies. Today, however, many organizations no longer consider Access the best choice for modern application development.
Access applications do not meet modern architectural standards, offer only limited options for web and browser use, and are increasingly difficult to position as professional, future-ready software solutions.
Migrating MS Access to a web application with fecher addresses these challenges: Using a proven, tool-assisted process, we create a functionally equivalent application on a future-ready .NET foundation. The application logic is transformed into C#, and the resulting browser-based application can be used flexibly across different devices.
The migration is based on the targeted transformation of the existing application rather than a complete redevelopment. Business logic, forms, and established processes are preserved and transferred to a modern, scalable architecture. The user interface can also be modernized—from new navigation and responsive design to a comprehensive redesign of the forms.
MS Access Migration at a Glance
- Access applications are converted into modern .NET applications using C#.
- Existing software can be maintained and enhanced in Visual Studio, while legacy code can be modernized using object-oriented and multi-layer architectures.
- Existing functionality is preserved while the user interface and deployment options can be improved.
- The resulting browser-based application can be used across desktop and mobile devices.
- Costs and project risks are significantly lower than with a complete redevelopment.
- A high degree of automation enables faster implementation.
We found fecher’s fixed-price approach to migration and UI redesign to be very convincing.
Microsoft Access – Much More Than a Database
Although Microsoft Access is commonly referred to as a database, it is much more than that. It is primarily a development tool and runtime environment for creating and running database applications. In addition to the Access database and the data stored in it, these applications include forms, reports, and application logic implemented as macros or VBA code.
This close integration of data, user interface, and application logic makes Access applications valuable—but also complex to migrate. The main challenge is therefore not transferring the data, but safely transforming the complete application logic and user interaction.
Access Migration with Specialized Tools and Expertise
Database migration is only one part of the overall project. Where required, the existing database is migrated to SQL Server or Microsoft Azure SQL Database. In many cases, this can be handled using Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA).
Because SQL syntax differs between database systems, the conversion may still require adjustments. fecher uses its proprietary sqlTRANSLATOR as a middleware layer to translate SQL statements into the syntax of the target database.
The more complex part of an MS Access migration is the safe transformation of the application components—including forms, reports, VBA code, macros, and the associated application logic.Forms are converted into .NET forms based on Wisej.NET, while reports are migrated to the proven DevExpress reporting solution. For these transformations, as well as for converting VBA code and macros to C#, fecher uses the specially developed accessPORTER.
Tool: accessPORTER
The accessPORTER analyzes the source code of an Access application and derives the mappings required to transform it into a complete .NET project in C#, including forms defined in Visual Studio. It supports a project-specific transformation schema. Typical Access functions for which .NET has no direct equivalent are provided through a supplied class library during the migration.
AI-assisted analysis can additionally be used to:
- identify patterns in VBA code and form logic
- further refine transformation rules
- make complex dependencies more transparent
The accessPORTER replaces the presentation layer of the Access application with Wisej.NET, creating a browser-based application. All required declarations and architectural adaptations are implemented automatically. The accessPORTER is always used as part of an Access migration project. If required, our specialists implement additional extensions, integrate them into the existing framework, and deliver a turnkey solution at a fixed price.
Additional Features
- Integrated assessment to determine application complexity and relevant metrics
- Central management of mapping rules in a repository
- Multi-stage transformation for optimal structuring
- Automated code compilation for rapid verification of intermediate results
Results
- Web application delivered as an HTML5-based Rich Internet Application
- Equivalent design and functionality
- High scalability and performance
- Automated test coverage to help safeguard application functionality
- Delivery entirely as modern, readable C# source code
Costs and Services
- The cost of an Access migration depends on the number of lines of code and any third-party controls used.
- Training, workshops, and ongoing support can be included as part of the project.
Your fecher Project: Phases, Steps, and Milestones
- Free Analysis including a comprehensive information phase
- Detailed Analysis including a proof of concept to prepare a reliable fixed-price calculation
- Modular approach for large projects
Like all our migration projects, Access migrations follow a proven process. It consists of coordinated phases—from analysis and planning through technical implementation to testing, training, and further development.
Information
An information package illustrates the project process. We answer initial questions in a personal meeting or online demonstration.
Free Analysis
Our assessment tool analyzes the source code and provides an initial estimate of the required effort. The Free Analysis is provided at no charge.
Detailed Analysis
All application modules are examined in detail. You receive a results report, a project schedule, and a fixed-price proposal.
Project Setup
Based on the analysis results, we jointly define the target architecture, the structure of the application modules, and the subsequent project process.
Code Transformation
All modules are processed using our automated migration tools. AI-assisted methods can support the identification of recurring patterns and help make the transformation process more efficient.
Code Finalization
The generated code is systematically reviewed and adapted to the new environment. Automated testing and analysis additionally support quality assurance.
Testing
The customer validates the migrated application. Any issues identified are reviewed and resolved by our migration specialists.
Training and Coaching
Our experts introduce the development team to the modernized application and the Wisej.NET framework.
Further Development
The modernized application provides a sustainable foundation for further development. New functionality and web, cloud, or mobile extensions can be implemented on the basis of .NET and Wisej.NET.
The Framework: Wisej.NET
Wisej.NET is a framework for the design, development, testing, and deployment of real-time web applications. Development takes place entirely within Visual Studio. Wisej.NET enables the development of interactive web applications that provide the functionality of traditional desktop software while also benefiting from modern web and cloud architectures.
Learn more about Wisej.NET and our related services, including application development, training, and license consulting, on our Wisej.NET service page. Contact us to discuss the modernization of your software and arrange an initial consultation.
Discover what else fecher can do for you:
Learn more about how we transform WPF applications into browser-based apps.
Explore how Web Enabling makes it easy to migrate your WinForms applications into powerful web solutions.