A query has been ported by the one of
our Collaboration manager and it goes like this, ‘Why are Access Documents
banned in SharePoint.’
Answer: There are many reasons for this
but at a high level many file extensions are blocked to avoid vulnerabilities
i.e. files that contain code. Of course nothing is fool proof, so manipulating
file extensions has long been a way for individuals to work around this.
When SharePoint is installed there is a
default list of denied file extensions amongst which are Access DB files. This
is often questioned and through the releases of SharePoint 03, 10, 13, the way
Access is used with the platform has changed.
We now have and Access Service
Application to support web based rendering of Access DB’s (solutions) created
in SharePoint. In 2013 Access is a strong alternative to InfoPath Forms
solutions.
The biggest argument why we didn’t allow
Access DB’s in 2007 was ‘why would you store a Database inside of a Database’.
All content in the SharePoint architecture is stored in SQL, so if you see a need to
use Access then first look at building that app in SharePoint using Lists,
Views and Web Parts.
Most users look at SharePoint as a web
based document store – IT IS NOT, it’s a ‘platform’ to build apps on, we need
to work at educating even the basic user how they can maximize usage of SP to
better affect for productivity.
You can also check the blocked file types in SharePoint 2010 @ link: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-in/library/cc262496%28v=office.14%29.aspx
Reference: I must appreciate a Solution Architect Mr.
Tim Newis from my current assignment to give this great and details explanation
to our collaboration manager. Zillions Thanks to Mr. Tim Newis.
