The resident Wizard at Access Advantage is Mark Hammer.  Mark has been specializing in database development using Microsoft Access since 1995, when he founded Access Advantage.  During that time he has developed dozens of Microsoft Access applications, "some new, some used (i.e., already started by someone else)."

One big advantage that Mark brings to his clients is his conviction that Microsoft Access is more than capable of handling most local database projects when the number of simultaneous users is 15 or fewer.  You won't be sold an enterprise-level solution requiring expensive software and support professionals if what you need is a cost-effective local solution.

Empowering clients to develop their Microsoft Access skills and remain "in control" of their own projects is another goal at Access Advantage.  Instead of creating dependence on outside experts for continued maintenance and development, Mark encourages skill development among his clients.

Mark's extensive experience with Microsoft Access means that he has developed a large library of pre-built template solutions.  These include forms, reports, queries, macros, and lots of visual basic code modules.  On a new project, he will be starting with a big head-start.  The result is faster development time and more reliable results.

The Wizard is a founding organizer of the Portland Access User Group. Since 1999 he has been developing RetreatTracker, a Microsoft Access application now being marketed to retreat centers nationwide.

Mark worked for IBM as a systems analyst and COBOL programmer in the 1960's.  In later careers he has been a university professor of business management (Washington State University and Willamette University, 1970-85) and a nursing home and retirement community administrator (Portland and Seattle, 1986-94).  Mark's MBA and Ph.D. are from Indiana University.

Client / References list available on request.