Re: [libreoffice-users] Compatibility of LO Base with Access databases

In defence of LibreOffice Base.
Unlike Ian I have had very good results with Base.

Over the last 8 years I have used Base as a a "front end" to a MySQL database in 5 different 
countries for different projects.

One database was for the New Ireland (PNG) Provincial Government Old Age & Disabled Pension fund. 
170,000 records updated and maintained by two dedicated data entry people, but accessed by 
approximately 35 other users. LibreOffice Base on Windows 10, 8 and XP PC, on Ubuntu 12.04 PC, on 
Macintosh OS X laptop. All connecting via ethernet and wireless to a Ubuntu 12.04 Server.

Another similar situation with Ministry of Tourism, Tonga collecting data on visitors to Tonga and 
also used for tourism venture's licensing and administration and conventions. 25 users connecting 
LibreOffice Base to MySQL on FreeBSD server, with Windows and Ubuntu PCs.

Full administration for 5 divisions in Sanma Provincial Council, Santo, Vanuatu. Including HR, 
Accounts, Youth, Disabilities, Planning, etc. 75 staff members, plus external users, with 
LibreOffice Base connecting to MySQL on Ubuntu 14.04 server from Windows (10, 8.1, XP), Ubuntu 
12.04 and Macintosh PCs.

Now I used Access (Base not available) at Kokopo Business College for student records. Created a 
database for College Library with Base on Ubuntu PCs connecting to central MySQL database via Fibre 
Optics.

Had real trouble trying to set this up with Access for multiple users (25 teachers, 10 admin staff).
When I got LibreOffice Base I had similar problems with using the HSQLDB engine.

I found that connecting Base to MySQL was very easy and I had real problems trying to connect 
Access. 
I could also use Base on Linux machines and update all my colleagues to a consistent operating 
system.

You can not export Access forms, reports, macros, etc to use with Base but you can export all the 
data from Access and import it into Base very easily.

Sorry to keep on!!! I have had good results with LibreOffice Base connecting to an external 
database. I also make extensive use of Macros with Base.

Just in case you are wondering -- I am retired and about to have my 75th birthday so not just 
straight out of Uni.!!!

Thanks for listening

Tony Bray
tonybsa@mac.com
MacBook Pro 15 inch Mid 2009
2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 GB RAM,  
Mac OS X  10.11.6
LibreOffice 5.0.6
Scribus 1.4.4
Libre Project 1.5.19
Parallels Desktop 11.02
Ubuntu 14.04
LibreOffice 4.4.4
MySQL, PHP, Apache







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