Learning to develop Microsoft Access Cloud applications using SQL Azure as a back end is new territory. Although there are many similarities to developing an Access application that uses a hosted SQL Server database, there are also a number of differences that can trip you up unless you are aware of them. For example you cannot use OLE DB or Microsoft Access ADO with SQL Azure. You can only use ODBC if you want to use Access as a front end. But I discovered that ODBC and some VBA are all I need to build secure Access and SQL Azure applications that are very fast and secure.

The biggest problem I faced when I began developing with Access and SQL Azure was finding the information and help I needed. I have found no single web page, site, help file, document, or source of information on how to develop Access Applications that could use SQL Azure. I spent countless hours using online searches, downloading documents, using SDKs, reading books and reading online to get the necessary information and solve problems. Some vital information could not be found so at times I had to learn through trial and error. There needs to be a better way for Access developers to get the crucial information we need to develop with SQL Azure.

So I am gathering together information, links, tips, scripts, and articles and building a Microsoft Access and SQL Azure Information Center for Developers to save you some valuable time and headaches. We will list important links, downloads, articles and blogs, scripts, code samples, tips, and new developments.

You are welcome to submit your own tips, code samples, links, comments, and articles. You can contact me at . Be sure to let us know if you want us to publish a link or email address so we can give you credit for your submission. We want to maintain a standard of high quality and usefulness so all submissions will be screened for value and relevance.

Even as I was preparing this post I received a request in an email from a developer asking where they could get information about developing Access and SQL Azure applications. It looks like I had better get busy.

While I am busy you can download and try out our Free Demonstration Application that shows a little of what can be done with Access and SQL Azure.