Re: Generalised approach to storing address details

Bernard Peek wrote:
> In message <1165470808.701320.264240_at_79g2000cws.googlegroups.com>, Frank
> Millman <frank_at_chagford.com> writes
> >Hi all
> >
> >This is really a database design question. I am not sure if this is the
> >correct forum. If not, please can someone recommend a more appropriate
> >one.
> >
> >I want to set up a generic way of entering names and address details.
> >Address details could be a multi-line address, a telephone number, an
> >email address, or whatever communication medium may arise in the
> >future.
>
> A few questions for you:
>
> Are you expecting to use this for international addresses? Note that
> different countries expect postal address fields in different orders.
>

I am developing a midrange business/accounting system. I want to make it as generalised and as flexible as possible. Therefore, yes, it could well be used for international addresses. One of the benefits of my concept is that different users can set up their own definitions, with their own fields, in their own sequence, so it should be easy to meet the above requirement without any changes to the database.

> Have you looked at existing systems, LDAP etc?
>

I have looked at some other systems, but I have not seen any that would give the flexibility that my concept would provide. If you know of any that would be of particular interest, please let me know.

I am aware of LDAP, but to be honest I had not thought of it in the same context as my problem. Can you give me a pointer to something that would explain how I could make use of it.

Thanks

Frank Received on Thu Dec 07 2006 - 12:56:12 CET