At my school we have been looking at some 'professional' databases (i.e. cost a lot and don't provide half the functionality required.) If all we do is emulate the sorts of things SIMS does, we are going nowhere. Yes we can start producing ER diagrams but I don't think we have really identified requirements thoroughly enough. Here's one suggestion. I have plenty more. One of the major reasons I find current products deficient is the quality of reporting they allow. I would like to see: internal reports, used to collect marks, positions in class, effort and attainment grades, and free-text comments. external reports to parents which contain all of the above. These must be written by class teachers based on set lists, but Housemasters, tutors or the like must be able to pull up a collated report for any member of his house. We must have sufficient security that you can only see (or change) what you're meant to change. Teachers can change reports up to a report deadline; an admin can change a teacher's report; a housemaster can see appropriate reports for delected pupils; teachers can review old reports. Should I go on? We have been researching this so the discussion is VERY appropriate and I'd like to contribute either to a spec or to the ER development. -- ******************************************************************************** All mail sent and received may be examined to prevent transmission of inappropriate attachments and certain obscenities. Wellington College does not accept responsibility for email contents. Problems to postmaster@wellington-college.berks.sch.uk. ********************************************************************************