Is there a SQL Database access tool???

[porkchop_d_clown]

So, there is only one reason left for me to boot my old Linux box: I'm using it to maintain some SQL membership databases, and generating reports with StarOffice using ODBC.

Is there anyway to get comprable functionality on OS X? I can't find any references to ODBC clients for OS X. I'd be happy to consider exporting the databases and importing them to AppleWorks, but AppleWorks coughed up a lung when I tried it (too many fields?)

The databases only have a few hundred records each, but I need to be able to do compound queries (i.e., active members who haven't paid their dues this year, lists of members who have been to the last meeting, etc...)

Any suggestions?

[griffman]

If you can get them into AppleWorks, you could probably also move them over to mySQL, which runs on OS X (and is free). Once in mySQL (http://www.mysql.com), there are a number of front-ends (phpmyadmin is one, http://www.phpwizard.net) for mySQL that let you manage the databases through a web browser or Cocoa front-end. Anything that mySQL supports query-wise can be fed through phpmyadmin or the other front-ends...

A quick search on "ODBC" on VersionTracker/OS X (http://www.versiontracker.com/macosx) found only a couple of entries (which you may wish to look at); a search on "SQL" found two pages of stuff that might be worth browsing.

-rob.

[porkchop_d_clown]

I could probably import the SQL into mySQL no problem (it's currently postgreSQL, but shouldn't need much).

The problem is having an end-user application that can query the DB and generate mailing labels, form letters, newsletters, etc.... Currently I'm using StarOffice for all of that. On windows you could use MS Access for at least some of it, but it looks like Access isn't a part of Office X for Mac.

[griffman]

Sorry, I misunderstood the intent - I thought you were looking for an admin tool through which you could run mySQL queries and get results. You didn't mention mailing labels and form letters in the original question ;-).

FileMaker Pro has some ODBC capapbilities as well, but I have no idea how robust they are nor what's required to make them work well.

Sorry;

-rob.

[bluehz]

I have been looking for similar functionality and have yet to find it. I though for sure I would at least be able to create a front using Filemaper Pro Developer 5.5 fo X. No can do - not implemented yet. What a shame - we have all this SQL power, easily implemented in OS X - yet no front enduser devices. Sure there are lots of admin type, setup stuff - just no enduser connetions. Let me know if you come up with a solution.

[chardinej]

Take a look at www.clickware.com. They have a Filemaker Pro plugin that provides this functionality. Don't underestimate the power and usability of Filemaker Pro. I have been using the software for many years and have found it an excellent solution for managing any database I have thrown at it. It has superb font-end building tools and a robust database engine under the hood.

[bluehz]

Thanks for the tip chardinej - just d/l the demo beta to try it out in oS X. I know there are solutions for OS 9, etc but I had not found a OS X solution yet. And believe me - I would never 'dis' FileMaker!!! I am an avid FileMaker fan - have been for nigh on 10+ years.

thx again!