OpenOffice Base
Desktop database software
Database software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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What is OpenOffice Base
Apache OpenOffice Base is a desktop database application included with the Apache OpenOffice suite. It is used to create and manage relational databases, build forms and reports, and connect to external databases via drivers such as JDBC/ODBC. Base targets individual users and small teams that need a local database front end integrated with spreadsheets and documents. It typically uses an embedded HSQLDB database for local files and can act as a client for other database engines when configured.
Integrated desktop database suite
Base provides tables, queries, forms, and reports in a single desktop application. It integrates with the broader OpenOffice suite, which supports workflows that combine database data with documents and spreadsheets. This makes it practical for small, file-based solutions where a full server platform is not required. It also supports common relational concepts (keys, relationships, SQL queries) for structured data.
External database connectivity
Base can connect to external databases through JDBC/ODBC and other supported connectors, allowing it to function as a front end rather than only a file-based database. This supports use cases such as building forms and reports on top of an existing database. It can also import/export data through common formats available in the suite. Connectivity options help when data must live outside the local embedded database.
Open source licensing
Apache OpenOffice is distributed under an open source license, which can reduce licensing constraints for organizations. The product can be deployed without per-user subscription fees and can be evaluated without procurement overhead. Source availability can be important for long-term access and internal review. This model can fit environments that prefer community-governed software.
Limited for modern analytics
Base is a desktop-oriented database tool and does not provide cloud-scale storage, elastic compute, or managed warehousing capabilities. It is not designed for high-volume event pipelines, real-time ingestion, or large-scale analytical workloads. Organizations needing centralized governance, high concurrency, or large datasets typically require separate database infrastructure. As a result, Base is better suited to small databases and front-end use cases.
Embedded database constraints
Local Base files commonly rely on an embedded HSQLDB database, which can be limiting for multi-user access and operational robustness compared with dedicated server databases. File-based approaches can introduce challenges with concurrent editing, backups, and corruption recovery if used beyond intended scale. Upgrading or migrating embedded databases may require careful handling and testing. Many teams eventually move the data layer to an external database engine.
Fewer low-code app features
Base focuses on traditional database objects (forms/reports) rather than providing a modern low-code application platform with role-based workflows, granular audit trails, and built-in automation. Building multi-step business processes often requires additional tooling or custom development. Collaboration features are limited compared with web-based platforms designed for team app building. This can increase effort for organizations seeking rapid, governed internal app deployment.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apache OpenOffice Base (part of Apache OpenOffice) | Free — no cost to download or use | Desktop database front-end; includes the embedded HSQLDB engine; supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, ODBC/JDBC connections; distributed as free/open-source software on the official Apache OpenOffice site. |
Seller details
Apache Software Foundation
Wakefield, Massachusetts, USA
1999
Non-profit
https://www.apache.org/
https://x.com/TheASF
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-apache-software-foundation/
