Access Form and Database Code Generators & Conversion Software

 

Initially written February 14, 2005

Updated June 5, 2005

Updated October 14, 2007

Updated November 26, 2007

 

 

 

 Updated 6/2/2010:  I now have a new recommendation

 

Application Generator:  PHPRunner 5.2

http://xlinesoft.com/phprunner/

20 day free trial - Std version $399 - Enterprise Edition $599

Enterprise Edition adds online reports & charts and expanded security.

Allows the user to visually modify the generated form layout.

 

It generates PHP code and runs well under Apache.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Summary: 

 

The most functional software for converting Access forms and providing a full functioned web application was #2 – Microtools’ Access Wiz - MS Access to .NET Converter $149.  This is primarily due to its forms conversion capability.  However one must be able to test and debug and where necessary make modifications to the converted code for Add, change & Delete functionality and likely other changes.  In my opinion you need to be a programmer and willing to dig into VB code in a .NET environment.

 

 

Another choice is  #3 below, ATAF Database to web application converter - $30.  It does not actually convert Access forms.  It is limited in the type of forms generated, only single data column forms.  However it did automatically produce a full application with menu, lists and a/c/d capabilities.  I used it to build two straightforward applications.

 

Another choice approximately equivalent to ATAF is Access2ASP, #19 below,  - $99.  It seems to create a similar app to that of ATAF.  Between the two, I prefer ATAF for the variety and structure of forms it creates.

 

Next possibility would be Raptier, #1 below.  It also creates a full web application but only provides data in grid format.

 

Finally, for a do it yourself person, see Convert Access Tables Into ASP Web Pages by Danny Lesandrini

    #18 below.  This article and download has basic code for web pages that connect to an Access database.  Mr. Lesandrini has plans for additional articles.

 

 

 

 

Review of Each Product:

 

1) RapTier Code Generator – Lite version is FREE – Pro ver $299 single seat  – Enterprise $499 single seat –

http://www.sharppower.com/Default.aspx?path=products/home

 

 

“RapTier is an ASP.NET, C#, VB.NET and SQL Code Generator that helps you build powerful and robust database-driven .NET applications quickly and easily.”

 

My usage comments:

 

RapTier was the first code generator to generate code that worked!  Tables from an Access database were converted with grid-based pages for each table and query.  Each table had view, paging, add, edit and delete capabilities.  Forms are NOT converted.

 

The generated grids have a standard line for additions.

To edit, click on the edit symbol in the left side of the row.

The line will change into a set of editable fields.  At the left, the icon options are to delete, make changes or discard changes.

 

Tables have built in paging and are sortable by any column (features of the grid object)

 

After the code is generated it prompts you to import it into VS.NET and make two changes:

1)       Set Web UI as the startup project

2)       Set default.htm as the start page

 

Run Visual Studio.NET

File – Open Solution – the file is in c:\mydocuments

Make the two changes

Build Solution

F5/Debug – Start

 

It creates the project as a subdirectory under the webroot.

 

 

Advantages:

 

1)       FREE

 

2)       Worked first time!

 

3)       Results easily imported into Visual Studio .NET 2003

 

  

Disadvantages:

 

1)       Does not convert Access Forms!

 

2)       Did not support my ODBC access to Access databases (per error there is another one supported)

I tried to use a predefined System DSN

 

“Cannot create a new project with the following connection string:

Provider=MSDASQL.1;Persist Security Info=False;Data Source=UWayHWSW.

 

The .Net Framework Data Provider for OLEDB (System.Data.OleDb) does not support

the Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers (MSDASQL). Use the .Net Framework

Data Provider for ODBC (System.Data.Odbc).”

 

 

 

 

2)ANETVB - Microtools Access Wiz - MS Access to .NET Converter – by Microtools – 

 $149

Free trial that works with Northwind Access database only

 

http://www.microtools.us/

 

My usage comments:

 

Easy and straightforward to run.  Generates code quickly.

After conversion it opens the generated web site code automatically (and leaves the conversion program open).

10/24/2007:  I don’t think you have to do this anymore:  Note after code generation you must compile the code using VB.  I used Microsoft Visual Studio .Net 2003

 

I have tried this software three times over the past year plus.  Initially I had problems getting it to work.  (I finally had to remove and then reinstall IIS 5.1 and then .NET Framework 1.1.  Apparently I had reinstalled IS but not reinstalled .NET afterwards).

Subsequently I didn’t have the IIS and .NET problems but I still could not get various features to work and had confusion on just how complete a conversion was done by the software.

The vendor site says (my highlighting):

ANETVB/ANETVC converts Access to ASP .NET Web applications. It converts Access form controls including label, text box,list box, combobox, option group, check box, command button, option button, toggle button, bound object frame, image, tab,page, subform, unbound object frame, line and rectangle. It also converts in-form/module VBA code to.NET code. It allows you to select target data connection from OleDB - Jet 4.0 , OleDB - SQL Server, OleDB - Oracle, OleDB - IBM AS/400, OleDB - Sybase ASE, SqlClient - SQL Server, SqlClient - via IP Address, ODBC - {DNS}, ODBC- Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb), ODBC - SQL Server}, ODBC - MySQL ODBC 3.51 Driver}, ODBC - Sybase System 11, ODBC - Microsoft ODBC for Oracl}, OracleClient - Oracle8i and OracleClient - Oracle9i. The converter will generate all the code required necessary files for VS .NET 2002 or later as well as Visual studio 2005. It handles single and continuous subforms

 

Throughout all my trials the vendor has provided very good, responsive support via email!!!

I think this product would require a programmer willing to dig in and learn about VB and VB.NET. 

10/24/2007:  Vendor recently confirmed that, especially for testing the code the generator produces for add/change/delete logic.

Clearly the programmer would have to enable any created but commented out code and create any missing code for form delete and add functions.

But it does give very nice forms, very much like Access and is not limited for forms with a single column of fields like many other conversion products are.

 

10/24/2007:  Vendor said newest version generates grid based forms also which apparently have fully operative add/change/delete logic

 

   

Advantages:

1)       DOES CONVERT Access Forms!  Basic forms have built in database access and paging.

 

2)       Edits made on the form do work but you must

·         Press the Save Icon

·         Make sure the Network sharing and writing options are appropriately set for c:\Northwind the directory where the Northwind.mdb database is stored.

 

3)       Converted dropdown listboxes correctly.

 

4)       Does convert a three level form – customer, order, order detail.  Only A/C/D for customer shown but these do not work(see above about commended out code).  But the order and order detail are shown properly and are page-able

 

5)       Has an option to automatically open Visual Studio .NET after generation. (You must select the generate a PROJECT option.)  However I got 62 errors when I went to Build it.

 

6)       Very good, responsive support via email!!!

 

 

Disadvantages:

 

1)       Limited documentation.  Only a few FAQs on their web site.  No definition of what controls/features will be converted fully and what must be done manually.  However the company is responsive to email questions.

 

2)       Forms converted  do not have Add, change and Delete logic enabled.  Code is  generated but commented out.  Must be manually reviewed and activated by the developer.

3)       Reports are not converted.  Neither are Modules nor Macros

4)       Some forms did not convert at all .  Examples

                        Review Products list under Suppliers

                        Add products button under Supplies

                        Did not display the .doc file for Products of the Month under Orders

5)       Build errors in Visual Studio .NET when Modules are converted.

6)       The Northwind converted order form does not allow edits to the shipping address nor to the order quantity.

 10/24/2007 – vendor wrote:  “You don't have to be a .NET programmer. You just need to test the converted pages. It will show the runtime error in the bottom of the web page if there is any problem to update/add/delete. It's time for you to learn more about .NET if you go from Access to .NET. One can just use those editable grid view and detail view pages that ANETVB generates for table record update/delete/add.”

 

“One can take a look at the converted code and test them form by form. You have to know how to debug the converted code otherwise you will need to hire a .net programmer to convert your projects.”

 

 

 

 

3) ATAF Database to web application converter $35

http://www.ataf.biz/design/ataf/ataf.asp

I personally have used this for two applications.  It is great!!!!!  Takes a bit to get used to how it all works but now I really like it.  And it is lighting FAST.  And, it produces several forms – a one record per page view, a list view, Excel export, etc.

 

4)Refactor Express Service – NetEdge – Expensive – approx $100-200 PER FORM!

http://www.netedgesoftware.com/proof_irie.asp

 

http://refactor.netedgesoftware.com/RefactorExpress/default.aspx

 

Features and Benefits:

Converts MS Access forms to .NET in minutes
Quick, easy and inexpensive service
Reduce manual effort
Reduce errors, Increase accuracy of conversion
 

MS Access applications are made up of Forms, Reports, Business Logic and the Data. NetEdge offers this form conversion service to accelerate migration, couple that with Microsoft tools and your migration projects can be achieved quickly.

Microsoft tools like the SQL Server Upsizing Wizard and the Report Designer from the Reporting Services Wizard allow you to migrate the data and reports over quickly. Combine that with Visual Studio.NET's ability to migrate VBA code and you have significantly reduced your migration efforts and costs.

Conclusion:  Did not pursue due to high cost.

 

 

 

 

5) Application generator for MS SQL Server  12/19/2003 - johnshear...@aol.com - (201 665 8906)

 

http://groups-beta.google.com/group/comp.databases.ms-sqlserver/browse_thread/thread/8ea5b79496eb0d7c/5115bb975859de13?q=microtools++microtools.us&_done=%2Fgroups%3Fhl%3Den%26lr%3D%26c2coff%3D1%26q%3Dmicrotools++microtools.us%26&_doneTitle=Back+to+Search&&d#5115bb975859de13

 

 

Could not locate the software or the author.

 

 

My Conclusion:  Software is not available.

 

 

 

6)Microsoft Access 2003 to Visual Basic 6 Object Converter – Irie Software - $200-250

http://www.download.com/Access-to-Visual-Basic-Object-Converter/3000-2210_4-10174889.html?tag=lst-0-3

 

This is an add-in for Access and it is run from within Access.

It is the users responsibility to make any changes necessary to convert it to VS.NET (see below for more info on this).

Be sure to get the right evaluation version as Access 2003 is different from 2002/XP.

 

 

My experience:

Is focused on converting Access to VB6.

 

You can import the generated VB6 objects into Visual Studio and VS.NET will do an automatic conversion for you.  However, before doing so, you must open the <project>.vbp file and delete any references to .ocx files.  Apparently these are not used in .NET but will cause the converter to abort.

 

After I had figured that out, with some email assistance from Erie, I was able to convert the VB6 into VB.NET.  Unfortunately I have 57 build errors.

 

 

Advantages:

 

 

Disadvantages

 

My Conclusion:  Likely a good tool for a VB.NET experienced person.  Not recommended for a rookie like me.

 

 

7)Evolution Access to VB.NET Converter –ver 1.2XP -   $125 –

Free trial version limited to converting sample DB

http://www.evolutionsoft.co.uk/

 

Does not appear to be web oriented.

Conclusion:  Vendor confirmed this product converts to .NET Windows only

 

8)VBeXpress.NET $450.00

http://www.programmersheaven.com/zone28/cat1022/27448.htm

 

“VBeXpress.NET is a code generator for .NET developers. It can generate entire Winform and Webform applications from an existing SQL-Server or MS-Access database. It contains over 150 code generation templates and has support for over seven different Winform grids. The code generation engine leverages Visual Studio for Applications (VSA). This means that code generation is controlled by scripts which are fully-customizable using VBeXpress.NET’s in-built template editor. The latest version has been updated to include support for VS.NET 2003.”

 

Not clear if it converts Access Forms or not.

 

My assessment:

Seems to provide grids with editing ability or a fixed column oriented form with individual fields.  No typical form layouts.

 

My conclusion:  Expensive and not as functional as the Microtools product.

 

 

9)Access to ASP.NET ver 1.0 – Sehman – limited time, fully functional free trial

License $9.95

 

http://www.sehman.com/products.html

 

“Convert your Microsoft Access forms to ASP.NET Web pages in seconds. In this intuitive, wizard-like application, just point to the Microsoft Access database file and then select forms that you like to convert. This application will create ASP.NET pages for you. They will look just like your Access forms. The only difference is that now you can publish them on the Web as well. You don't have to know anything about MS Access or ASP.NET. Just select the forms that you like to convert and it will convert all the user interface controls (like textboxes, labels, checkboxes, etc.) into ASP.NET controls. It generates .ASPX, .RESX and .VB files for you. All you have to do is just simply include those files in your ASP.NET applications. This wizard can save you days or even weeks of tedious manual conversion.”

 

My experience:

 

The aspx objects it generated seemed to have “inherited” statement errors.  Once the offending statement was removed, I seemed to have a very basic form displayed but no data.

 

The www.sehman.com site does not seem to be alive.  Web site  down ?????????????

 

As noted by one reviewer, the generated code seems to have the form name modified:

Frm_xxxxxx   becomes frmfrm_xxxxxxx

 

 

My conclusion:  Vendor existence is doubtful.  Generated forms and code might be useful for an experienced VB.NET programmer.

 

 

 

 

10)Frm2vb13.zip - FREE

 

http://www.simtel.net/product.php[id]722[sekid]0[SiteID]simtel.net

 

For VB version 5

 

 

 

My conclusion:  Converts to VB5 not internet/web

 

11)My Generation Code Generator – FREE

http://www.mygenerationsoftware.com/Default.aspx

 

I just don’t think this is on target

 

1/25/2005 sent email to vendor asking if it creates web apps

 

Vendor says it creates anything…..

 

 

12) Caspio – Web forms & Apps in Front Page

http://www.caspio.com/a/v4/default399.asp

 

 

Hosted (on their site):

http://www.caspio.com/products/hosted_pricing.asp

 

$ 50 – $300 per month based on data storage, number of pages and access volume.

For 10 pages min monthly is $50 per month

 

Entreprise (installed at your site)

http://www.caspio.com/products/enterprise_pricing.asp

 

$4500 - $14,000 based on number of servers and processors per server.

 

 

Has 14 day free eval.

 

My conclusion:  Quite expensive!!

 

13) Easy Code 2.2   - $76.00

http://www.webservertalk.com/archive134-2004-4-183905.html

http://www.eazycode.com/Features.htm

 

Vs.net 2003 compatible version

 

EazyCode is a RAD tool that integrates into Visual Studio .NET and helps you
develop and maintain front-end GUI of database applications. EazyCode is a
powerful code-generation tool that creates ready-to-use database-driven
front-end GUI applications. The main benefit from using EazyCode is the
enormous time saving. EazyCode generates thousand lines of code in a matter
of seconds.

EazyCode 1.0 generates VB.Net code and supports SQL Server 8.0 and MSDE 8.0.

 

Does not support Access for generation.

 

ONLY supports Windows.NET code!!!!!

 

14) VB Net Maker 1  $100 – fully functional trial version

http://www.2m2s.com/

 

 

http://www.azurit2010.com/index.html

 

Awkward/confusing interface.

 

Can’t figure out how to run the resultant code.

 

Can’t figure out how to contact the vendor.  No forum or support options.

 

???????

15) RadGui  $35

http://www.soft32.com/download_10694.html

 

Builds C#

 

Couldn’t figure out how to make it work…….

16) DeKlarit 3.0 RC    $899 for license

 

Too expensive!!!

 

17) ASPRunner - $249

 

http://www.xlinesoft.com/

17)Code Charge Studio ver.3   20 day free trial

Personal edition – limited 1 DB connection and 100 pages – no VB.net:

$199.95 perpetual license – one user – this version has no web reporting

Studio edition:  no limit on DB connections or pages; includes VB.net

           

            $499.95 perpetual license – one user

 

http://www.yessoftware.com/index2.php

 

 

My review:

 

Seems to have limited generation from databases.  Does not convert forms, just builds generic forms.

 

Seems more of a development environment.

 

 

My conclusion:  Other products have better generators and I don’t need a development environment since I have VS.NET

 

 

 

 

18) Convert Access Tables Into ASP Web Pages by Danny Lesandrini    FREE

http://www.databasejournal.com/features/msaccess/article.php/3487741

Not yet tried but from scanning the article, it seems nice.  I personally still prefer ATAF but I had to pay $35 or so for it.

19) Access2ASP - $99

www.access2asp.com

Seems like an alternative to ATAF.

20) DBForms from MS Access to PHP + MySQL   $129

 

http://dbconvert.com/convert-accessforms-to-web-mysql.php

Previously called:

                        AccessForms2Web –  $99

                        http://www.data-conversions.net/products.php?prod_num=0&&dest=MENU&&ID=1

Requires MySQL and PHP, both of which are free.

Converts your Access data to MySQL and creates forms using PHP.

As of this writing I am still having problems getting the software to write out the PHP forms.

However, email support has been quite responsive.

Worked with the vendor late last night.  Still cannot get the software to write the PHP code out.  But the programmer showed me where the code is built.  I copied it to the final location but still could not get it to work.

 

10/15/2007 – Trying again to get the demo to work.  Have new Vista ultimate PC, installed Mysql and PHP, tested PHP in IIS, still no joy.  Corresponding with vendor for assistance.

Vendor has online forum so posted to see if anyone is successfully using the product.  After three different times of trying to get it to work, and with excellent support of the vendor I now have it working.

It does not convert queries.  Forms based on queries will not work.

It does not convert macros or event handler code.

I am not sure and have asked clarification but it appears that it does not provide add/change /delete logic.  This is a major limitation in capability!!!!! { but read below}

Vendor plans to add record insert capability.

 

6/15/2010 Tried again.  This time I finally got the software to work.  Used the Northwind Access database as the database to be converted.

This is version 3.1.3 released January 20, 2010.  Among a list of new features, the vendor states:

            “Added UPDATE DELETE INSERT functionality in WEB pages”

I had to figure out two of the error messages by myself.  The third problem was caused by some of the generic modules not being copied by the software to the generated software.

I confirmed that the software does allow editing, deleting and adding records.

Also it generated web pages that look just like the Access forms.

I used  Apache, MySQL and PHP on Windows Vista Pro.

 

 

 

 

 21) Bunkerhill Conversion Solutions – MS Access Forms to ASP >NET Forms

 

http://bunkerhill.com/Solutions/Access2ASP.php

 

Pricing $5,000 or more. 

 

Also do full conversions for you.

 

10/15/2007 – Vendor has removed their product from the market.  They are re-writing the project to be fully AJAX based.  No ETA for when it will be available.

 

 

 

22) Iron Speed  Pricing  - see below

http://www.ironspeed.com/

 

More of a development environment that a converter. Does not convert Access forms.

 

10/15/2007 – Tested out the software and am very impressed.  While it does not convert Access forms, it does seem to do a nice job of creating various kinds of forms based on

Access tables.  And the software had built in editing capabilities.  One posting on their forum explains how to use drag-n-drop and similar visual tools to allow fields to be placed in other locations on the page.

 

As a general development environment that creates web pages from an Access database but does not convert web forms, I would rate it #1.

 

Pricing currently:  Free version,  professional – from $595 and enterprise – from $1995

                        http://www.ironspeed.com/products/Pricing.aspx

 

 

 

 

23)    MS Access Forms Converter  - 75 euro

www.mdb2www.com

No free trial.  No examples on the web site.

Says it handles tab controls and form/subform

 

7/2/2006 Sent vendor some questions

 

10/15/2007:  Web site is no longer valid for this software.

 

 

 

 

24)    ASP/PHP Web Application Builder 7.1   - $129 or $795 for Premium edition

http://www.citybusinesslogic.com/

7/2/2006 Sent vendor some questions

10/15/2007:  new web site

            Not impressed with the demo systems on their site.

 

 

 

 

25)    Evolution 1.0  $125

http://www.evolutionsoft.co.uk/about.htm

 

Uses grids.  Other products better.

 

 

26)    ASP Maker 5   

http://www.hkvstore.com/aspmaker/

 

Appears not convert forms.

 

 

 

27)    Codejay

www.codejay.com

 

Not clear what it does.  Appears to  be some kind of helper modules.

 

 

28)    Code Starter   $69

       www.codestarter.com

 

Grids

Individual records all in a single column of a table.

 

Similar to ATAF and others.

 

29)    Ross Group Access Conversion Tool                              11/26/2006 – Ross Group has pulled the product from the market

 

http://www.rossgroupinc.com/readweb.asp?wid=3344

 

As of 10/14/2005:  Pricing is currently set at:

 

$300- for 100 forms or less-one time use.

 

$1000- for unlimited forms-one time use.

 

$5000- for unlimited use and unlimited forms.

 

 

They do not presently have but plan to have a downloadable trial.

 

In response to my question about their pricing and some other specific questions, below is their reply:

 

Bob,

 

Our software is priced based on the market.  Based on the overall development reduction capabilities, we feel the overall investment is well worth the cost.  Ross Group, being a development company, searched for various products like the one we developed, but we could not find one to our standards.  That drove us to develop our own tool that we could further develop to our standards.  This is a fairly new product that has been developed by Ross Group and we are currently ramping up all our efforts to take it to market.  Our goal is to begin distributing the tool and take that income to further develop the tool to even a higher standard.  At this point, Ross Group has not discovered a tool in the market comparable to ours.  We are also in talks with Infragistics to package their software with ours to completely offer a full solution.  At the moment, due to various legal and proprietary reasons, we cannot offer a trial and do not have an ETA determined for when one will be available.  I can tell you that is a goal we plan to accomplish in the near future.  Inquires have come from all over the world including Europe, India, and even Australia so currently we are aligning ourselves for the global marketplace, but we are not quite there yet.

 

Here are the answers to your questions:

 

VBA code in forms?  
Yes, we comment out the code.  We recommend a manual write of all the actual code behind, but we will convert it and comment it out for you.  However, there is some reusability in the vba code that is converted.

 

Tab controls in forms?
Yes, we are currently working on this piece and should have it done shortly.  We do not foresee any problems here.

 

subforms?
Yes.

 

Are the forms reproduced with controls located anywhere on the page (I think so based on the one form shot on your web site)?

Yes, they are positioned in the same location that access would place them at.

 

Forms using memo fields?
Yes.

 

Forms using memo fields?
Yes, most button menu driving will function, but there are some locations that will not.  If a button has to go through several layers to launch a form, it may not.

 

Please contact me with any further questions.

 

Thanks,

 

Brian A. Osborne

Business Development Manager

Ross Group Inc

Phone- 1-800-810-2696 Ext. 113

Cell- 937-750-5566

Fax- 937-431-5214

www.rossgroupinc.com

www.rossassured.com

 

11/26/2006 – Ross Group has pulled the product from the market and do not plan to complete development of the new product.

 

 

30)      Article on using ASP to connect to, display, add, change and delete data in an Access database

http://www.webwizguide.com/kb/asp_tutorials/default.asp

       

31)      

32)     

 

1.       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Related Software

 

Extreme Web Reports

      Extremeease.com

 

      This product has been discontinued.  Looked like a great idea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keywords:  Microsoft Access Database Jet

                    Internet Web conversion  converter

                    Software Utility Tool

                     Forms