choosing a DBMS

[Anon]

We have an existing system built using DBase III plus which has been written with very simple menus to allow users with no knowledge to use the system. We want to re design the system using a more up-to-date package but want to design something that willagain be very straightforward for staff to use and not require massive training. Any suggestions?

[bastien]

depends on the size of the dataset...if the number of records are minimal (say <60000 reocrds) then MS Access can make for a nice package and comes with all the interface and reporting tools to make it go.... more records might require the need to go a more robust database and a true client server environment with a VB or VC++ or browser interface connected to a bigger dbms like SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or even oracle...it comes down to what you are willing to spend in development time and DB costs (oracle and SQL Server are more expensive) mySQL and PostgreSQL are free...

so it depends on what you want it to do...

Bastien