[KLUG Members] database programming question

[Rusty Yonkers]

At work we have a program that was originally written in FileMaker. 
It is fair sized and very important.  The initial database layout is
awful and breaks many rules of relational database design.  

I do not have a large amount of experience or training in database
design or programming but have done some work with M$ Access and
Paradox.  I have had some classes in M$ Access and seminar training
in relational databases and Cobbs theories of database design.  I
have a better grasp on databases than the people that did the initial
program in FileMaker (oh and it is part of my job to get this fixed).
 

I have suggested that we do a new program from the ground up so that
it can be better structurally.  I have suggested that we do it with a
SQL backend and then a GUI front-end.  I am thinking of doing the
backend in MySQL and not sure yet what to do the front-end in.  The
front-end program is for people using Windows 2000 or XP
workstations.  I am thinking of putting the database server on a
Linux server backend.  

Part of me is thinking that I just left reality and entered the
twilight zone but I know that with hard work I can pull this off.  I
am not sure what books or other resources to look for though for help
in doing this.  I am also wondering if I would be best to do like a
PHP web front-end or maybe a character based front-end and use ssh
for the terminial emulation of it, at least for basic data entry.  We
are a health care organization so I have HIPAA and other privacy
regulations to think about.  

Also, does anyone know of a good newgroup or email group that I could
get on for database programming discussions?  I hope this does not
start a flamewar about MySQL and Postgres.  I am not like dead set on
MySQL but think that it may be easier and also would easily handle
the workload.  I am thinking of talking with the organization though
and asking if I can have the rights to market the application to
other organizations like ours after I write it with our organization
having free use of the application.  I know that MySQL is suppose to
have a commercially paid license if it is used for an application
that is sold, and I do not have a problem with that but wonder if
other SQL backends are the same way.



=====
Russell C. Yonkers Jr. 
CNE, MCP, A+, CCNA, Linux+, Server+, Network+ certified
-----------------------------------------
Currently using SuSE 9, Mac OS X, Windows 2000, and WinXP 
And yes I run a network at home with Linux and Windows servers
See my personal website http://www.geocities.com/therustycook
Or my consulting site at http://www.atomicsupergeek.com


		
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