Open Source database

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Yorkshirekid

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#136466 28-Nov-2013 09:50

I have a friend who has a small gym and would like a database to help with administration. Address book, invoices, equipment log, bulk emailer.

We are looking for a cloud based free [open source], db client that can be accessed from anywhere.

He uses a Mac at home and Windows at work and so hopes this won't be a conflict.

We don't know how to programme or build a db and are hoping to find an application that makes this easy - after all we don't need something that Oracle would be proud of us building.

Having had a look at what's available it is staggering and I was hoping people here might point me at something they know might be suitable please.

Thanks

[IF YOU DON'T KNOW, YOU DON'T KNOW]

timmmay

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#942093 28-Nov-2013 10:24

You don't want an open source database, you want an ERP/CRM/accounting system. Anything free tends to require a fair bit of time and knowledge to set up. Using a database directly would be impractical. Writing the software would be a bit silly, reinventing the wheel, and VERY expensive. Good software developers charge in the $100/hr range.

Xero can do some of that, it's not free. Freshbooks can do some of it. Sugar CRM can do some of it, that is free.

Suggest you look for a specialised gym management/adminstration system. It'll cost money, but it'll make life and support a lot easier. You're support, so you should encourage it.

Hammerer

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#942114 28-Nov-2013 10:42

I agree with Timmay. Lack of programming experience and lack of knowledge about accounting products means you should get a package.

However, there are free packages for you to consider. These are some of the better generic suites but there are many others from cash books to suites:
GNUCash
TurboCash
Microsoft Small Business Accounting 2009 is free but Microsoft stopped development and it is no longer supported by them. It can still be downloaded at Softpedia

Ragnor

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#942334 28-Nov-2013 15:21

The free options are going to cost you more (unless you don't value your time) than paid options imo.

I would use Timely + Xero
http://www.gettimely.com/
http://www.gettimely.com/timely-and-xero/
http://www.xero.com/

Both great NZ companies!

chevrolux

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#942376 28-Nov-2013 16:35

Sugar CRM is pretty simple to set up and has plenty of features. Doesn't have an accounting built in but maybe Xero has a add-on that allows integration.

I would probably just go to Xero and look for a CRM add-on rather than doing it the other way round. There are so so many add-on's for Xero it's not funny and there is bound to be something that will suit.