Can this be done online?

[An Oasis]

It is an idea for a project, thanks in advance for your help. Please indicate, assuming it gets the go ahead if you are contactable for any potential work.

An online database via something like docs.google.com/

Background

A multi agency project. Users IT ability ranges from very low level to highly proficient.

The project needs to be functional and at this stage aesthetics are not essential.

The data contained is personal and of no real value to third parties but MUST be secure.

Updating

Must be as simple as updating the database. If there is an interface this must be generated/updated on the fly via the database.

That’s it for now.

[Andy Walpole]

I suppose you could use Google Docs for some kind of primitive database but it's not recommended - this is what database management systems are for

How can a user interface be updated "on the fly via the database"? I'm a bit confused about that you need to explain further.

[bluestagstudio]

I'm not entirely sure what you mean.

Anything is possible, it's possible to build a database that could get/push information to Google Docs (and, providing Google Docs allow it, securely) but I'm not sure if that's what you mean.

It's possible to have a database to update aspects of a user interface (colours, themes etc). (Although there may be better ways of doing this)

The question is, what on earth are you trying to achieve?

I'm contactable if required, can sign non disclosures too if required as I assume the reason we don't know what you're on about is because you don't want us to know!!

Cheers,
Matt.

[edmondscommerce]

I suppose you could use the Google API and treat docs spreadsheets as database tables

what the value of that would be though I am not sure..

I think there is a reason that Google haven't offered an Access equivalent in their Docs package - its problematic and potentially resource intensive / open to abuse

[An Oasis]

Thanks all

Perhaps the google docs bit is misleading. So...

Possibly a better way to envisage the project is that of a dynamic website (as the interface) and obviously a database on the back end. But the project needs to be fluid as every agency has their own way of doing things, i.e. they may need to be able to add fields to the database, with the minimum of assistance - so a CMS in order to control everything would be a PIA for everyone concerned, difficult to budget for, need specialists available...

It may be that a CMS (website) is the only way forward. Short-term I was just looking for a potential alternative, once established the above would probably be the better alternative but not for a pilot scheme, will a fairly small budget.

[edmondscommerce]

so as I understand it some kind of cloud based database with a simple user interface for configuring the database and generating forms to allow the input / retrieval of info stored on that database?

i might have done something that kind of fits this bill - PM your email address and I will send you a link

[bluestagstudio]

it sounds like what you're looking for is a CMS for a CMS....

so a user can effectively add custom fields to a database in order to change the fundamentals of how the website/software looks and works.

shot in the dark but it looks like you're looking to create a software tool for service orientated companies to manage their workflow on - and as they all work differently there's no point giving them a rigid solution.

i'm probably way out there but the only reason i mentioned it is because we've had the same problem, starting to think it would be easier to create my own workflow manager than it is to use a pre-existing one.

waaaaaaaaaaaay off topic there but it sounds like that's the sort of concept you want to achieve.

if you're on a low budget though you may need to make some compromises, sounds like you're after something quite clever.

[An Oasis]

so as I understand it some kind of cloud based database with a simple user interface for configuring the database and generating forms to allow the input / retrieval of info stored on that database?

i might have done something that kind of fits this bill - PM your email address and I will send you a link

it sounds like what you're looking for is a CMS for a CMS....

so a user can effectively add custom fields to a database in order to change the fundamentals of how the website/software looks and works.

shot in the dark but it looks like you're looking to create a software tool for service orientated companies to manage their workflow on - and as they all work differently there's no point giving them a rigid solution.

i'm probably way out there but the only reason i mentioned it is because we've had the same problem, starting to think it would be easier to create my own workflow manager than it is to use a pre-existing one.

waaaaaaaaaaaay off topic there but it sounds like that's the sort of concept you want to achieve.

if you're on a low budget though you may need to make some compromises, sounds like you're after something quite clever.

Probably a combination of the two.

The pilot starts off on a low experimental budget but if the idea works then there would be funding available to have a pro team working on it. Would be a long-term project. Fits in with current central government funding criteria.

I just thought of a good way to describe it, (sorry it's not my project an idea for a project the wife is working on)

It's a paper trail chaser, involving different agencies, who whilst all pursuing the same goal all have their own agencies and therefore vital info or actions fail to take place. So it just a way to pu into action a series of goals and view who did what and when.

[edmondscommerce]

bah i still dont really get it