Microsoft Access is used to store and manage databases and it can store data for viewing in a graphical interface, making it easier for users to analyze the data. Microsoft Access was first released in 1992, designed to work with very early editions of the Windows Operating System. The Microsoft Access program is used to manage databases and is also known as Microsoft Office Access due to the fact that it is bundled in with the Microsoft Office software suite, which also includes programs such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint.