Re: Database / Frontend Advice

Matthew,

From what I've seen, I'd recommend you take a serious look at Citrix Metaframe as your application server. This product will work over the Internet in a browser (one of your requirements). Then you can build your apps in any modern 4GL tool of your choice.

I have a client that we have been doing similar research for and have found that most of the Internet development tools are relatively crude. You end up using an application server (generally tool specific) anyway. Might as well build with the best tools. (I'll let you choice that...) Metaframe doesn't care what development tools you work with. It is an amazing tool that provides impressive performance even over a 28K dialup!

If you are truly interested in building web app's only, we've found Oracle to have the been development tools but they will not work with Microsoft SQL server so you would be limited. You do need their app server as well.

Good luck on your project.

Regards,

• Bill -

Matthew Braymiller <matt_at_dwminc.com> wrote in message news:2jdcfsc84sfavoon0h8bohl9hktrfc4lv9_at_4ax.com...
> Forgive the crosspost, but I've been reading these groups for a while
> and think the question is on topic in all five.
>
> The company I work for uses Access 97 but we will soon be pushing it
> beyond its ability to function for us. We use Access to input service
> requests from our customers, print work orders for our vendors, and
> print a variety of status reports for our customers. Our office is
> currently running 24 NT 4.0 workstations with the database files on a
> server running NT Server 4.0.
>
> I wish to create a database (probably using SQL Server 7) that will
> allow my service staff to input their data from their web browsers via
> our web site (once it is all in place), print the necessary forms and
> at the same time, allow my customers to see/print their reports from
> the same web site. Permissions would be granted at log on to access
> the necessary elements of the site / database.
>
> My question is this: I have been looking at Crystal Reports / Clarion
> 5.5, Oracle 8i, Power Builder, InterDev and a number of other
> "smaller" programs like Cold Fusion and Frontpage 2000. Frankly, I am
> suffering from data overload from the promises of grandeur that these
> respective software companies promise. I am seeking input from people
> who actually use these and/or other program to tell me where you think
> I ought to focus my attentions. Ease of data input, flexibility of
> query, form building, and ability to put it online are my main
> concerns. I would appreciate any direction you can give me, though I
> realize I am inviting even more data overload.
>
> Warmest Regards,
> Matthew Braymiller
> DWM Inc.
>
Received on Sat Apr 15 2000 - 00:00:00 CDT