The verdict in three sentences
A Microsoft Access database used by 12 people hits its limits: file corruption, slow network performance, no serious remote access. Migrating to a web application on PostgreSQL costs 15,000 to 40,000 EUR (about 16,000 to 43,000 USD) in 2026 depending on the number of screens (20 to 60), plus 2,000 to 6,000 EUR for data migration and one day of training. The project usually pays back in 18 to 30 months through time saved and incidents avoided.
Why Access no longer holds up in 2026
Access remains effective for a single user. Beyond 8 to 10 concurrent users on a shared file, the risk of corruption rises sharply and each incident costs half a day of restoration. Microsoft has not significantly developed the engine for years, VBA macros raise security issues and remote work forces a slow VPN. The retirement of the person who built the database is often what triggers the project.
| Criterion | Shared Access database | PostgreSQL web application |
|---|---|---|
| Concurrent users | Reliable up to 8 to 10 | Several hundred |
| Remote access | VPN, frequent slowdowns | Browser, mobile, HTTPS secured |
| Maximum size | 2 GB per file | Several TB |
| Backups | Manual file copy | Automatic, daily, tested |
| Corruption | 2 to 6 incidents a year observed | Almost none |
| Access rights | Weak, per file | Per role, per screen, GDPR audit trail |
| Annual running cost | Office licences, restoration time | Hosting 600 to 2,400 EUR |
What the migration costs in 2026
The price depends mainly on the number of screens (forms and reports), the complexity of the VBA macros to rewrite and the quality of existing data. A senior developer bills 550 to 700 EUR a day in France and Germany in 2026, and around 90 to 140 USD an hour in the US and UK.
| Scope | Screens | Development | Data migration | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple database (customers, quotes) | 15 to 20 | 15,000 to 20,000 EUR | 2,000 to 3,000 EUR | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Intermediate (stock, orders) | 25 to 40 | 22,000 to 30,000 EUR | 3,000 to 4,500 EUR | 9 to 12 weeks |
| Complex (production, scheduling) | 45 to 60 | 32,000 to 40,000 EUR | 4,500 to 6,000 EUR | 13 to 18 weeks |
| User training | 1 day | 700 to 1,200 EUR | Not applicable | 1 day |
| Managed hosting | Not applicable | 50 to 200 EUR a month | Not applicable | Ongoing |
| Annual maintenance | Not applicable | 15 to 20% of development | Not applicable | Ongoing |
The steps of a migration without disruption
The method that works has five steps. First an inventory of the database (tables, queries, forms, reports, macros) in 2 to 4 days. Then a design phase that uses the migration to fix the data model: duplicates, free-text fields, unlinked tables. Then development in batches, starting with the most used screens. Data migration runs with scripts tested on a copy, with an anomaly report. Finally a cutover on a Friday evening, keeping Access read-only for 1 to 2 months.
Plan for printed reports: they often represent 20% of the effort, because users want their delivery notes and invoices to look exactly as before.
Mini case study
Eric, office manager of a 40-employee building materials distributor in Leeds, has managed orders, stock and invoicing for 15 years in an Access database shared by 12 people. He suffers 4 corruptions a year, each costing half a day for 12 people, or 24 hours lost per incident and about 96 hours a year. The VPN also costs 4 field sales reps 20 minutes a day, about 290 hours a year.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
The migration covers 35 screens: 27,000 EUR of development, 4,000 EUR of data migration and 900 EUR of training, a total of 31,900 EUR. The 386 hours recovered, valued at a loaded cost of 40 EUR an hour, are worth about 15,400 EUR a year. With 1,800 EUR of annual hosting, payback arrives around month 28.
FAQ
How much does it cost to migrate an Access database to the web?
Between 15,000 and 40,000 EUR of development depending on the number of screens, from 20 to 60. Add 2,000 to 6,000 EUR for data migration.
Can we keep Access as the front end and move the data to a server?
Yes, with SQL Server or PostgreSQL as the back end for 3,000 to 8,000 EUR. It is a stopgap that solves neither mobile access nor the dependency on VBA macros.
How long does the project take?
Allow 6 to 18 weeks depending on complexity, plus 1 to 2 months of parallel running with Access in read-only mode.
Why PostgreSQL rather than SQL Server?
PostgreSQL has no licence cost, while SQL Server Standard exceeds 3,500 EUR per core. It is also offered by every major hosting provider.
Will my historical data be kept?
Yes, 100% of records are migrated, with a report of detected anomalies. Duplicates and inconsistent fields are cleaned up during the migration.
Let's scope your project. We migrate your Access database to a secure web application: database inventory, indicative budget between 15,000 and 40,000 EUR, go-live in 6 to 18 weeks. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.