Online collaborative database front end

October 5, 2008 3:20 PM

I need a front end for an online database of contacts, the easier the better.

My wife has a contacts database with about 1700 records in it. It's currently in Access. We want to put it online so that it can be collaborative without having to constantly resave and email it back and forth between collaborators. (Access is reshuffling the records, which is causing problems; this may be due to one collaborator using Access 2007 and the other using Access 2000, is that possible?)

I know a database wizard who is willing to help us set this all up, because I don't know what I'm doing, but so far we haven't had much luck finding a front end that will:

- be easily customizable (add and rearrange fields, etc, without writing extra code),
-feature user logins and passwords,
-do filters, sorts, and queries or whatever (like Access does).

My database wizard friend and I have looked at other AskMe threads about this, but haven't been able to find what we're looking for. I want to find something free, but I think we'd be willing to pay a little bit (~$50) for something simple and functional. I am also willing to spend a little money on a rent-a-coder, but I don't even know what I'd be asking for or how much it might cost. Any and all help is appreciated; thanks.

posted by sleevener to computers & internet (7 comments total)

If your only problem with Access is the sorting issue; it should be fixed by adding an ID column at a low data overhead cost.

Sharepoint might help? There are some low-cost Sharepoint hosts.
posted by SirStan at 3:37 PM on October 5

I would recommend SharePoint as well. Its free, and easily setup. There are specialist sp hosting companies that takes the pain away from maintenance.
posted by mattoxic at 4:04 PM on October 5

There are several thousand free contacts databases out there that run on Access on shared hosting. They will offer you different data sorting, input and lookup options and features. Your best bet is to go through a dozen or so, choose one, and then do a simple data import from your existing database into the new one.

The contacts DB you choose with probably depend to some extent on what your current data is modelled, but your database wizard friend should absolutely be able to help you with the import, no problem.
posted by DarlingBri at 4:08 PM on October 5

If you don't need it to stay in Access what about Highrise? Collaborating around contacts is exactly what it is designed to facilitate.
posted by COD at 4:19 PM on October 5

Highrise might be what you're looking for, if you're willing to pay a bit ($24/mo). It also might be overkill if you just need a straight-up database front-end.
posted by revgeorge at 4:22 PM on October 5

another option would be to convert it to mySQL, set up an account at a free web host and use something like phpmyadmin. I've been using sqlbuddy instead of phpmyadmin lately, as it makes the maintenance simpler and faster.
That's assuming it's not worth converting the records into a contact manager app, of which there are hundreds to choose from.
posted by muddylemon at 12:13 AM on October 6

would you consider trying a web-based service like dabbledb.com...?
posted by mhh5 at 12:31 AM on October 6