Again, SharePoint and XML support separate Access 2003 from its predecessors, and Access can now import and export XML data using custom Schemas. Exports can employ XSLT transforms to match data formats to other custom Schemas, and you may include related data such as look-up tables so you export structured data. Developers can now link tables in Access to lists on a SharePoint Website, and these linked tables are read/write, so Access apps are able to use and update live data in SharePoint.

 Performance on linked tables can also be improved with local copies of look-up tables. This previously required you to create a Make Table query manually, but is now a simple copy-and-paste operation.

Access also benefits from the AutoCorrect function, which corrects common data-entry mistakes. Developers will also find flags for errors such as unassociated labels or invalid accelerators while designing forms, and you can even attach Smart Tags to fields or controls. Any changes to field properties may be propagated from the table design, which goes across all instances of that field on forms or reports. Backing up databases is easier too, and Access performs a Compact & Repair as part of each backup.