3 replies to this topic

[oasis2pa]

Hello everyone,

To get to the point, I'm looking to create some form of a application or web app for business purposes. As a overview of the application requirements, it will first and foremost need to be a database to store a lot of information (sensitive information, both data and files), but will need to allow for lots of options, such as allowing the client to submit/edit/delete information or contracts. They will also need to use submitted information to create documents and forms (using Microsoft Word?) as well as send messages and save documents and information to the clients pc. Multiple users will need to access it at once (although I understand when multiple users access the same file, the original user can edit but all others become read only or locked out). I want to use MySQL with PHP, but just from my description of the application, it tells me that I need real time client-side privileges, right?

Will a combination of MySQL, PHP, and Java work? Or do I need to use something more complex like C++? I was hoping to use simpler language if possible. Will it be better to have a main server and web application that multiple businesses/clients login to in order to access their information? Or should I have it so each client installs their own software? (I have never done this before and would need to learn how to create software that can be installed) It would be ideal if I were able to create a single database with a web interface and store all information on a single secure server, but allow the application to create documents for the client and save them on their pc and give clients permissions based on their login to edit info, HOWEVER, I do not know if this is possible.

Any help anyone? Thanks in advance.

[Alexander]

From your description this is completely possible with PHP, Apache Linux and MySQL. They together support sessions, file handling, file locking and logins with permission and authentication quite easily. The only thing you will need to consider is that they cannot natively parse documents (MS Word), they can only handle them as files and upload them to and from the client.

[oasis2pa]

Thank you, that is really encouraging.

Only other issue I am having is the fact that php is server side. The program I made for the time being in MS Access works in real time. When they populate a field, it automatically logs that information and places it in any corresponding fields or forms, and stores it in the database. There is no "submitting"...which would be a hassle. However, I'm thinking that can be solved with just a little javascript that "autosubmits" the information to the server as they type? Would that work? Or would it significantly slow things down? :(

Also...I was trying to think of a solution for the document creation. I think using the data to create rich text HTMLs would suffice, with page breaks...or maybe pdf creation if that is possible?

Let me know what you think...thanks again.

[pcunite]

Narrow down your requirements into neat little bullet points and we can help you better.