November 16, 1992
Microsoft Access 1.0 released
MicrosoftThe software giant behind Windows, Office, Azure, and Xbox — founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. released Access 1.0 on November 16, 1992 — a desktop database with forms, queries, and the Jet engine for Windows.
What it was for
Access put relational databaseA database structured as tables with rows and columns, queried with SQL — the dominant model for business data.s on millions of office PCs — power users built line-of-business apps without a DBA. Its file format and VBA macros influenced how small teams shipped internal tools before web apps and SaaSSoftware as a Service — applications delivered over the internet on a subscription basis. took over.
Companies
- Microsoft
Why it's here
Access democratized relational databaseA database structured as tables with rows and columns, queried with SQL — the dominant model for business data.s on Windows desktops.
Why it mattered
It proved non-programmers could build data-driven applications with GUIs.
What it solved
Departments needed databases but could not afford server DBAs and custom development.
Media
- ImageMicrosoft Access
Microsoft, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Related
- ODBC 1.0 releasedSeptember 1992
- Windows 3.0 releasedMay 22, 1990
- MySQL first releasedMay 23, 1995