I have some off-the-cuff thoughts that should be considered in regards to databases. Technical support is an important factor that is often ignored until it is too late. I have worked at two government agencies that opted to use a customized database based on MS-Access. One was designed
in-house and the other by a vendor. Both lacked proper support and documentation.  The worst of the two nightmares was an in-house database where an amateur designer left the agency after producing a poorly designed database. When a problem arose with the system, there was no person to turn to
in the agency that could rectify the situation. Nobody knew how the database operated or the meaning of the various codes in the database structure. I was hired as an outside contractor to salvage any data and migrate it to another system that was being designed by another contractor at
enormous expense. If you choose to design a database for your organization, be sure to produce support documentation. Include not only information for the end user that will use the application, but also information regarding the program structure and codes so that others have a clear
understanding of how the application operates. Better yet, be sure more than one person fully understands how the application works and how to trouble-shoot if problems arise.
Institutions may also consider a customize database produced by an outside contractor or purchasing an off-the-shelf system. When selecting a product or contractor, be sure to consider the reputation of the company. In the ever-changing computer world, there are many fly-by-night companies. If
a company disappears, you may be left with a product that nobody will service, or can only be serviced by another company at great expense. Such a situation happened at another agency where I worked. Some vendors do offer customization for their off-the-shelf product, again at a higher expense
both in production and in service. This discussion group has already mentioned several reputable vendors. Has anyone produced a comparative survey of these products?

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