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General discussion

Database software for client online orders?

Jun 11, 2005 4:28AM PDT

I am revamping our website to accept online orders. We have a real estate sign placement service for agents and homeowner, and I meed to have a backend that will manage the order, bill (paypal) and provide reports.

The client would need a log in, be able to see existing orders, request removal or new service.

I also need email nitification of order submitted. and the ability to manage inventory, and have a variety of reporting options.

Not sure if there is software that is tweakable to make these work, or if I need a custom build.
Any suggestios would help.

PS My office is on Mac osX, but am assuming this database would reside on my host server.

Discussion is locked

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Today, my answer for a database is always...
Jun 11, 2005 5:49AM PDT

MySQL. I'm in the thick of using MySQL for some dozen applications and it's been a dream to use such a nice database so my code doesn't have to deal with databases. I have my application and MySQL does the database work.

A beautiful thing and the license is quite the bonus.

Bob

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Can it really..
Jun 13, 2005 7:25AM PDT

Thanks Robert for your suggestion. I work on a Mac OSX and have limited web programming knowledge. In creating a database in SQL, I assume the app would reside on the server. Does it have the potential to create invoices, auto respond to orders etc.?

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Yes.
Jun 13, 2005 7:38AM PDT
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well
Jun 15, 2005 2:06AM PDT

Well I haven't. I am redesigning the front end of the site, and attempting to hire someone to do the database backend. I Haven't known weather it would be better to request it be written in PHP, Alpha 5, or what. I am open to learning how, but given my time frame, realize that I would be better off handing the job over to someone that can have it done right in a couple opf weeks. Also, still wondering if there is an off the shelf product that could be tweeked, xomething I could have a programmer do.

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A well can be quite deep.
Jun 15, 2005 3:16AM PDT

One of my relatives had the same issue. How to enable their web site to take orders. After a quick count of the programmers and web masters on the staff, it was easy to figure out they could never get this done.

What did they do? They went with Godaddy. Compared to the costs of time, servers and consultants they were up in 1 week and can handle it themselves.

Sometimes you have to remember what is your business. Their business is not web site maintenance, creation, fraud protection on the web, etc. etc. etc.

Hope this helps.

Bob

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That's where I'm at..
Jun 15, 2005 6:00AM PDT

Yes, I am concerned about that, which is why I believe I need to outsource. Just what is it at Go daddy that will help my situation? I have registered there, but use another host.

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(NT) (NT) There used the e-store features.
Jun 15, 2005 6:05AM PDT
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Hmm, not seeing it
Jun 15, 2005 6:17AM PDT

Well, can only guess they are needed something different than my needs. My business is primarily a service business, that rents products. So I have inventory, CSR and billing issues that are specific to my industry. The godaddy e-commerce site has very limited information on what it does, and I don't believe it will do what I need. I wish it did, life would be easier!

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Just FYI.
Jun 15, 2005 6:26AM PDT

You didn't mention rental in your posts till now. The rental biz has it's own solutions. Pick up trade magazines to see the software offerings.

I know the issues since I was involved for years in such software development, but have since moved out of that area.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=rental+software&btnG=Search shows that such software needs tailoring for cars, homes, offices and so on. I can't help you since you are doling out the details so slowly.

-> To get the best out of such forums, just like when you have software written, a clear "spec" is needed.

Bob

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Sorry
Jun 16, 2005 2:09AM PDT

What a bone- head I am ... I've been working on trying to find a solution, and neglected to give you all the details. I have posted at some other sites, with more clarity and didn't realize that I left you in the dark. You've helped tremendously given you've been blind!
Yes, this is a rental business, that I need to manage and maintain online. I need to have the customers be able to log in and view their active rentals andopen and close listings/orders. (We service real estate agents with their sign placements for home sales) I appreciate the rental software suggestion. I will persue that direction.