Hi, I was working for a british secondary school who needs a new database system. They are currently using Lotus Approach. It has become messy and has some limitations that have become annoying. The database consists of lots of tables. There is one protected master table that contains pupil names and details. This is editable by only a few administrators but readable to all staff in all departments. Each department has its own database table which they can add their own feilds to. Department tables are joined to the master table via a pupil ID. This means that the departments can have a complete centralised record of pupils and add fields into their own tables for each pupil (ie grades, trip money etc.) but can't make changes to the master table. The problems are that departments can end up accidentally deleteing the pupil ID feild from their own table so the join to the master table fails. Also at times the administrator needs to make design changes to department tables, but can't do so because somebody somewhere in the school has gone home and left their database open. The administrator is also unable to make design changes to the master table if anybody in the school has their database open. So what they need is a system that doesn't require exclusive access to make design changes, and that is user-friendly enough for the semi computer-literate departments to make their own design changes to. Alternatively, a system that can remotely kick everyone off the system so changes can be made would be useful. I thought about a PHP/MySQL combo but using this would mean teaching all the staff programming skills in order to make their design changes. Is there any software out there that could solve our problems or are they wanting to have their cake and eat it too? This is really for the sake of interest as I was unable to advise them. I might be returning there soon though and it'd be nice to help them. Thanks