Alternatives to Microsoft Access and FileMaker in 2026

Companies still run critical operations on Microsoft Access and FileMaker, but these old (Legacy) systems are a risk: they don't work well in the cloud, lack mobile apps, and depend on local servers.

Microsoft Access

The Office classic.

  • Pros: Powerful for those who know SQL/VBA and already have an Office license.
  • Cons: Stuck on desktop (not web), hard to share, risk of file corruption.

Claris FileMaker

The Apple option.

  • Pros: Great for creating beautiful layouts and local apps for iPad/Mac.
  • Cons: Expensive hosting, closed ecosystem, and scarce developers.

Jestor

The evolution to the Cloud (SaaS).

  • Differentiator: Brings the relational database robustness of Access with modern Web usability.
  • Migration: Import your data and recreate relationships in minutes.
  • Access: Works on any browser and has a native app for iOS/Android.
  • Connectivity: Integrates with the rest of the internet (Slack, Stripe, CRM), something Access struggles with.

Verdict

Stop maintaining old servers. Modernize your database with Jestor.

Migrate your legacy data:https://jestor.com/

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