The steps of creating database applications in file-server and client-server architectures are discussed. Describes how to work with Microsoft Access 2007 (client) and Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (server). The example of a small but real database shows the process of creating a simple Access application and its modification, which gave the application the main features of professional development. A new method of designing the application interface is proposed - the method of intersecting cascades. Practical methods of transfer of the created software complex to the "client-server" platform are given. 50 options for assignments for the course project for the development of application software are given.