Database Programs Query

crazytunes5

Hey all,



I am interested in developing a database at work (a medical research laboratory), and was wondering if anyone could suggest a decent database program. We currently have the following computers in the lab:



- Power Mac G4 running Jaguar (could upgrade to Tiger if need be)

- Power Mac G5 running Tiger

- Power Mac G5 running Leopard

- Mac Pro Quad Core Intel Xeon running Leopard



It would be extremely useful if the database program could sync databases, such that changes that one user makes on the database is transmitted to the other Macs (if so, we would require a server? Could we just convert one of the macs over to being a server? which one would be best?).



Specifically, if the database could be extremely user friendly, that would be great. Its just for keeping track of what reagents we have, what protocols we have, what cell lines we have, etc. etc.



Thanks!

karl kuehn

FileMaker Pro is probably going to be the best solution for what you want. You buy 4 copies of FileMaker Pro, then decide which one is the "server". On that computer you make sure that FileMaker is always running, has the database open, and and has sharing turned on. With that setup up to 10 computers can simultaneously connect to the database. Everyone can make changes and they will near-instantly show up on the other computers (if you happen to be looking at that record).



It is pretty easy to whip up simple databases, and it scales to some pretty interesting corners if you work at it (at that point you want to spring for both the "developer" version and the server version to run on a dedicated server).



If you are in a University they often have volume license agreements that can more than half off the per-seat licensing. Otherwise research labs sometimes get a little sticker shock at $300/seat (full retail), but in comparison to custom software it is rather reasonable.