Database / Frontend Advice

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 Thu Apr 13 2000 - 00:00:00 CDT