SIMS state that they currently use SQL-Anywhere (not familiar to us) which gives five concurrent users at no cost for software licence. Work is well in progress for future versions of many SIMS modules and subsequently ALL modules working with Microsoft SQL server. Apparently there is a cut down version which they include as part of the SIMS licence as it is 'cheap' or free to schools. SIMS have also stated (to us) that they intend NOT to support Linux and that their software will NOT work with ANY other version of SQL as it is written to use many 'features' which are unique to MS-SQL........ ...our problem was that the minimum spec of PC and server that they suggest for future versions was outrageous, particularly for Primary schools... Ian UP. Mills Technical Support Manager Flintshire Education ICT Support Unit