>I am primarily creating database applications.
>
>I thought that VB would have close ties to Access and therefore be fairly strong in the database arena.
>
>What about Access itself? Why is Access not a viable alternative for serious database development?
You may check appropriate article in UT knowledge base. Basically, Access is truly end-user desktop tool, i.e. for non-critical, stand-alone, light data volume applications.
Edward Pikman
Independent Consultant