Microsoft Continues Its Commitment to Supporting MS Access: An Update

There has been an ongoing discussion regarding Microsoft's support for MS Access. The perception is that Microsoft may have discontinued their support for MS Access, but this is far from the truth. In reality, Microsoft continues to update and enhance MS Access, making it a significant component within the Office suite. This article aims to clarify these concerns and provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of MS Access within the Office 365 and Office 2021 environments.

Microsoft's Commitment to MS Access

Microsoft continues to invest in MS Access, just as they do with other Office applications such as Word and Excel. With every release of the Office suite, MS Access receives updates and new features, ensuring that it remains a valuable asset for data management and development.

As of the current version, Office 2021 is fully equipped with MS Access, and there is no concrete evidence to suggest that MS Access will be discontinued or no longer supported. The support for MS Access remains as robust as that for Word and Excel. Access is included in the latest versions of Office, and it is also part of the Office 365 subscription model.

MS Access in Office 365

Office 365 subscribers can access MS Access, but there are differences in the available plans. The subscription-based model provides a continuous and up-to-date access to Office applications. The table below outlines the different plans and whether MS Access is included in each plan:

Office 365 PlanMS Access Included Business BasicNo Business StandardYes Business PremiumYes M V?n Phòng ProYes

For those using the subscription-based model, MS Access is part of the premium plans, which align with the higher-end "Professional" version of Office.

Historical Context and Future Forecast

Historically, MS Access has been included only in higher-end versions of Office, such as the "Professional" version. This trend continues with Office 365, where the lower-tier plans do not include MS Access, while the higher-tier plans do. The desktop versions of MS Access, such as those in Office 2021, are fundamentally the same as the software available in the "box" edition of Office. This consistency ensures that users have access to the same features and capabilities regardless of the delivery model.

Microsoft's ongoing support for MS Access is a clear indication that it remains a core component of their Office suite. There have been no announcements or changes in this regard that would suggest MS Access is being phased out or removed from future versions of Office.

For those concerned about the future of MS Access, it is important to understand that it continues to be a significant part of the Office ecosystem. Users can continue to rely on MS Access for database management, rapid application development, and other data-related tasks, knowing that Microsoft remains committed to its ongoing support and evolution.

Conclusion

The current state of MS Access is stable and consistent with past practices. Microsoft continues to support and update MS Access, making it an essential tool for businesses and individuals. Whether using the subscription-based Office 365 model or the traditional "box" edition of Office, users can expect MS Access to remain a robust and functional component of the Office suite.