The database capabilities of Excel are very powerful. In fact, not only can Excel be used to create a simple searchable database, it also can be used to create a proper relational database.

While Excel allows for relational database functionality, Access provides more powerful and automated methods of working with that structure.

Brilliant Database is a relational database package that includes table design, reporting, scripting, and all the other features needed to make a usable business tool, at a very low price ($80).