Hi
I am looking to develop software as a logbook, initially for use by myself but potentially with the intentions of making it commercially available. I can't quite find anything on the market that meets my needs, so have decided I will develop it myself. I have a working Knowledge of VB.NET but not much experience with database driven applications.
I would love to hear any suggestions anyone has about how to go about designing it. Here are my considerations:
- Secure Data that can be backed up easily
- Potential for adding additional users?
- The need for users to be able to create custom columns for their logbook entries
- Native Windows/Web App?
- Potential to develop native mobile apps?
- Cloud hosted or Local File hosted - If a database is used, mySQL or equivalent, or if a file such as Access or XML could be used instead
- Minimal initial cost
I have had a play with LightSwitch and really like the way it works, but I don't really want to have to run an SQL server. If I develop a standalone Windows application I would prefer that all data is kept in a file on the user's computer that they could then back up.
If I was to use mySQL hosted on a web server, does that then mean I would need a licence if I made the software commercially avaliable? Are there any alternatives?
I would be really interested to hear any thoughts that anyone has about this project, as you can probably tell I'm quite inexperienced, but I have no problem with learning any skills needed.
Thanks for your time, and feel free to ask anything that you would like clarifying.
Guy Joseph