What's the best database software to use on the mac?

Question

Level 1

5 points

What's the best database software to use on the mac?

Please forgive me if I've posted to the wrong community - it's my first time here. I currently have a complex Access 2007 database that I'd like to duplicate so it can be run on a mac, without using parallels and windows. It needs to be able to be encrypted (AES 256 bit preferred, suggestions welcome), and be able to be distributed in a run-time format, for sale to users. Importing from Excel is a must, as well as being able to export sections of data to an iPhone, iPad, etc., and possibly to Android. Attaching photos, files, etc are a huge plus. While I just upgraded my OS to Yosemite for development, user platforms could vary. I'm open to all suggestions - thank you!

Posted on Jul 2, 2015 12:38 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

dougholmes

Level 1

4 points

Mar 29, 2017 9:22 AM in response to CRData

I know this is a pretty old thread, but have recently discovered Ninox https://ninoxdb.de/ - it's quite a bit cheaper than Filemaker + works well with iPhone/iPad.

If you work for a giant company, it may be worth checking out Caspio https://www.caspio.com/

Reply

Answer 2

Jul 2, 2015 12:55 PM in response to CRData

Access is a Microsoft database, porting away from it may be a nightmare.

First, tell us why you are wanting to move to a different database platform. (Need the end goal to figure out how to do it)

What compliance standards do you have to adhere to? PCI, HIPAA, etc.

What are ALL of the platforms you need the database to work on?

PC/Mac/Android/iPhone/WindowsPhone/Web?

I highly recommend posting your question on the SpiceWorks forums as this is something IT specialists know what to do and how to go about it. I am a member there and will offer any guidance as well. http://community.spiceworks.com/

Lastly, Apple owns FileMaker which is a Mac/PC-friendly database system. While waiting for the IT pros to assist with a plan, call the team at Filemaker and see what they can do for you. http://www.filemaker.com/

Reply

Answer 3

CRData Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 2, 2015 1:10 PM in response to chattphotos

Hi chattphotos, thank you for your response.

I'm aware of the nightmare I'm getting myself in to, but we have many users that have a Mac and don't want to use the Parallels/Windows interface to use our product.

We are not required to be HIPAA compliant, but hold ourselves to a similar standard. Our Access program is AES 256 encrypted at all times, even when open, and it is never on the internet. We are looking for the same situation with a Mac solution.

For this version, being able to be used on the Mac will be enough. We currently have an app for iPhone that we use to view selected exported data. If we could go cross platform onto PC that would be nice, but not required. We're not ready to walk away from the Access program yet since it would require writing an automated utility to export out all of the information (encrypted) out of Access and importing it all into the new product (also encrypted but with a different encryption program). Now that will be a challenge.

Thank you for the suggestion to post this on SpiceWorks. I'll do so ASAP.

I am currently looking at FileMaker, but I want to be sure I'm not overlooking any other valid options.

Reply