For larger applications it can be networked with separate front-end for the clients and multiple back-end databases for the data.

As a front-end it can be used as a "point and click" tool for accessing data from a much larger database such as Microsoft SQL Server. Any other SQL server may also be used such as Oracle or the database may be in the form of text files, spreadsheets etc.

Typically, an organisation may use a complex database package to run their business which over a period of time generates much data. As an alternative to modifying the 'master' application Access can be used as a more efficient and flexible analysis tool capable of displaying data in any form the user chooses via a simple user interface. Dependant on the network requirements, Access can be run either on-line or off-line.