Access and MySQL

[michaewlewis]

I'm starting an inventory project at work and want to use a database to simplify updating & maintaining our inventory. (instead of just throwing stuff on the shelf and forgetting about it)
My supervisor wants me to create a database with MS Access because he's a big "standards" type of guy and we use Microsoft everything and he says that everyone knows Access. But I have more experience with MySQL and want to use XAMPP for the database and development.

What I want to know is this: What are the benefits and drawbacks of Access or MySQL? I need a good argument to give him so he'll let me use mysql.
I'm not sure security is really a big problem, because it will be on a closed network. Are there any problems with Access that I could use to build up my case against it?
Pros & Cons please. 🙂
Thanks

[thorpe]

Hate to admit it but they both have there merits. If this application needs to be available over a network then I would say the XAMPP approuch would be the way to go. However, if it just some standard desktop type app then access would be perfect. You can build the whole thing (forms and all) in access.

Of course you could get more creative and use php-gtk with sqlite, but usually the quickest method is best.

[michaewlewis]

So my next question... can you use access over a network with multiple computers/users?
Also, is there really more people out there that know access than those who know PHP/SQL? My supervisor wants to make sure that if I leave, he can find someone to maintain the database.