I'm looking for a database software for client management. Basically, I'd have a file for each client containing various kinds of information that would be frequently updated (no inventories or anything like that). The catch is that I'd like to be able to access and update files simultaneously from two different computers, and some time in the future, have the files be accessible via the web (web access not necessarily important right now).

1. Any suggestions for software?
2. Will I need a server for the simultaneous access?
3. Anything I'm missing?

Thanks in advance for any help!

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Well, usually I use Quickbooks to store my client info, but its a bit costly. Any reason you cant use excel or access?

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Google has online Spreadsheets, they are about as functional as Excel for the majority of users.

If your data is not highly structured in its entirety, i.e. you don't have a bulletproof E/R diagram of it in your head or on paper, start out with spreadsheets. When you establish a good mental picture of structure and relationships, graduate to database.

Disclaimer: I'm not a computer expert, just took a 300 level CS class on databases at the U of I many moons ago.

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"It's not exactly a rocket surgery." D.J.

Well, maybe database isn't the right term.

There would optimally, a front page for each client with demographic data, followed by logsheets that would be frequently added to and saved by year (with the option of sorting by various categories).

I wasn't sure about the multi-user functionality of Excel or Access, and if possible, be set up for future work on the files via the web.

Also, security would be an issue as the client info would contain sensitive material.

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At my work we use Microsoft SharePoint Portal Server - it might be overkill for what you are looking for, but it allows for collaboration, web access, secured documents.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/share ... fault.aspx

These files are updated how? By the client? By you? I'm trying to figure out if you want a wiki...

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Middle Aged Crazy, like Uncle Terry

It's basically a two-person office, with another associate in the burbs and one more in California. The files are basically record-keeping for clients (only people from my company would be doing the updating).

The ultimate goal would be for all of us (two in office, 1 in burbs, & 1 in CA) to be able to view and update files.

While Excel might be adequate for the office, I don't believe has the type of accessibility we're looking for.

I'm thinking we may need a bona fide IT type person to give us a consultation...

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Where could you find an IT type person? And at this hour?

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Fedex Kinko's?

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Are you looking for a CRM tool (customer relationship management)?

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V, check out ThinkFree and Zoho. Both are web based implementations of an office suite. Both are free to public, but offer "premium" and "business" subscriptions.

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"It's not exactly a rocket surgery." D.J.

Sounds like you are looking for contact management software. Check out ACT! or Gold Mine. Both can be synchronized with off-site computers and both can be customized to track exactly the information that you need.

ACT! is around $300-350.

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Seriously?

You might try a Holiday Inn Express

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Paws Up

Not exactly client or contact management....

Part of the records kept would certainly involve the vitals for a client. That part would be easy enough to create a template for. But most of it would be logging various pieces of information which might come in on a daily basis (including possibly scanning documents and somehow linking that image to a log entry).

I'd be leary of a web-based program as the client info is pretty sensitive. I'd be worried about security (and so would my clients), which is why the suggestion of our own server came up...the info wouldn't be resting on a third party server somewhere in Fiji.

(Sorry I can't really be more specific about the information we're dealing with...)

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