[adrian078]

Hi,

I'm not a programmer but I need to get some software developed to help manage my business. The program will ideally be a desktop app(although I'll consider a web run application) that runs on windows XP Pro or a windows server for a small business.

Here's what I need to achieve:

database of customer details
track inventory - eBay/phone sales/Oscommerce website (eBay has APIs and Oscommerce is an open source shopping cart)
use APIs to download sales and payment data from eBay/Paypal - track customer payments and generate shipping lists
download sales information and control inventory on Oscommerce website
automatically email customers based on set events - hopefully using outlook 2007
database of suppliers/purchase orders

Firstly, I have no idea what the most suited database or the programming language should be. Where do I start to research this?


Another thought is for me to find an open source CRM or inventory management software and customise it to my needs. Is it easier to start from scratch or buy something pre-written which fulfills some of my needs?

Any ideas will be much appreciated.

[olibenu]

check sourceforge.net, codeplex.com. if u find something that can handle what u want, use it (in line with the license). if ur need is peculiar and (since u're not a programmer) u can afford a good team then good luck!
you can also try the freelance section of this site