Anything Similar to Microsoft Access For iMac?

[TexanJohn]

I've been using Windows Access since 1993 and Excel since 1990 (Mac) and 1993 (Windows). There's no real substitute on the Mac platform for Access, although Excel's file size has allowed deeper/larger data sources for a few years. I've managed to use Excel to provide a data resource for products that Access was the only option until a few years ago. I tried Filemaker but found it was a pretty weak option for larger data pools.

I've been "all in" on the Mac platform for over a decade and wished for a competent alternative for Access - UNIX is so much more powerful than anything on Windows - but I'm still using Access. Sigh.

My solution was to sign up for Office 365 Home and Office, so I get Access in that package. I use Parallels 10 and Windows 8.1, with Access 2013 installed on that partition. I bought a year's subscription to Office 365 via Amazon - a 40% discount over MS's cost.

I get Access 2013 for about $3 per month after the cost of Parallels ($50 upgrade) and Win 8.1 ($40). And I don't have to ask for the "Mac equivalent question" you did.

I also won't use Excel 2011 as a substitute for Excel 2013. I've been using Excel since version 4 in college. Excel 2013, and its database size may be what you're looking for. MS's newer iterations may be nice to use, but Excel 2013's file size (huge) may serve what you're looking for - it's working for me and my small company. Excel 2011 is too gimped and there's nothing I can think of on the Mac platform that can compete with MS's offerings on Windows.

I just found this thread, and I have the same issue/challenge.

I recently tried your approach. Office365 won't allow me to download/install Access via Parallels. Are you still able to run under your setup? i.e. I was wondering if MS changed something to disallow it.

 

[nexesnex]

Filemaker

Filemaker is an Apple subsidiary, and makes excellent database software. http://www.filemaker.com

I agree. I've used both Access and FileMaker Pro. Personally, I think FileMaker Pro is better on so many levels. It's also much more intuitive, and is a wonderful database program for the Mac.

 

[RedTomato]

I loved filemaker pro when I used it in my job many years ago. Sadly the price to use it legally is now far out of my reach and overkill for my many lightweight hobbyist database needs. I've had a osx database-shaped hole in my life for a few years now and have made do with things like Excel spreadsheets with colour codes and filters etc.

Recently after trying out some alternatives, I've started dabbling with Airtable: https://airtable.com/ which has a nice presentation, easy to get started with, and offers an iOS app. It's quite novel to me to be able to make a db on the desktop then have it come up nicely formatted on my iphone in an app, but I'm getting to quite like it.

I don't know if it's cost effective to deal with the 50,000 items the OP has, but for small scale needs it seems decent. Airtables can be plugged into a series of other apps / actions, and shared with a small team, and it's free to use up to 1200 records.

 

[campyguy]

I just found this thread, and I have the same issue/challenge.

I recently tried your approach. Office365 won't allow me to download/install Access via Parallels. Are you still able to run under your setup? i.e. I was wondering if MS changed something to disallow it.

There's no means to install Access directly from your O365 Admin Portal - choosing the full install for O365, which includes Access, is AFAIK the only non-beta means to install Access. I installed one of my 5 installs on Friday, DLed the installer from my Admin Portal and followed the instructions - into my PD 12 VM, no issues.

FWIW, I'm also a Fast Ring subscriber for Office but on the Mac only - I really don't use use the Mac suite but for testing/compatibility. Related to this, MS selected me (and likely a bunch of other users I'm surmising) to test an update a few days ago to the Windows App Store - MS Office apps (in beta format only!) now appear in my account's Windows App Store, I can now install a Fast Ring beta of Access directly from that App Store and my MS rep offered that the next Creator's Update may include that option for everyone.

That's all I've got.

 

[phrehdd]

http://www.thefrugalcomputerguy.com/libreoffice-base/Overview.php

 

[BornAgainMac]

I recommend just install Access under virtual Box / Parallels / or VMware. It will work perfectly.
The Mac Alternatives will just introduce a learning curve.

 

[Precision Gem]

I have used Access for years, and also have Filemaker on my Mac. To me, Filemaker is a much better database than Access, and the finished interface can be much nicer.
Looking for something inexpensive then look at Tap Forms. There is a version for the iPhone and iPad too, and the database can be stored on iCloud.