Yeah, this thread is a little old but I can't resist. It always noggles me a little but when eole refer to Access as a database. And then, compare ot against other 'real' databases. For the last uh, twenty years or so it really has een a RAD tool for frnt ending other, real, databaaes. Sure t has local tables (Can you hear McCartney? "Jet!") but what is is in essence os a simple form of Visual Basic tha can do damn near anythig you can do with other languages, except write for Android or iOS.
If what you need is a Windows desktop/laptop/tablet application and you need it quick you can do no better. Often overlooked in the typical "Access vs. Everything Else" debate is the fact that there are, according to a recent study, "Gajillions" of experienced, helpful coders who know it cold. Also, according to the sane study, "Buttloads" of solid, debugged, ready to run (and often free) code snippets, prcedures and utilities that greatly streamline and accurize RAD The Access Way. The Access threads on Stack Overflow are a rich resource of troubleshooting and problem resolution.
As I write this, they are still sorting out the Great Solar Winds/Exchange Server cyberattacks of 2020-21. It has been sobering and has awakened many in the development world to the fact that, if you put it out rhere, some nob in Moscow or China or elsewhere is GOING to try to take it apart. The world is overrun with Dishonorable things called Bad Hacktors and they see no reason to produce intellectual prtoperty when they can STEAL someone elses'.
So, now the Gajillions of fairly critical Access programs quietly humming along around the world are at risk becuase Access is not very secure from such low-lifes. As an aside, I am attemting to create a code obfuscator and cybetrext based encryption method to enable Access devotees to button up old Berthas before the Dishonorables get their hooks in them.
Other than that, its still a ready to go, quick and dirty, or clean, RAD tool that can mean the difference for some small business that would not otherwise exist and compete... if they can just survive the scum hackers, scammers, ransomers and petty crooks.
My $.02.