[kwlug-disc] What's the simple next level beyond OpenOffice Base?

[unsolicited]

Khalid Baheyeldin wrote, On 11/26/2010 9:14 PM:
> Simple is good.

Yes.

> No need to start developing software when you don't have to.

Preferably.

> Since you are already using spreadsheets but consistency is the issue,
> why not use Google Documents, which has hosted spreadsheets, that
> people can collaborate on simultaneously.

I've tested Google Docs. There is no data consistency / validation 
facilities within it. It just hasn't gotten that far, yet.

> And you can also upload your existing Open Office sheets in it, so setup
> is quick.

Yes. But, for example, I uploaded to it with some cells data 
validated. Then brought it right back - the data validation was gone. 
I tried it both ways - they have 2. One that facilitates online 
editing as well, the other where it is merely storage. I did not 
expect the storage to change the file, but it did.

Google Docs won't do here.

> Moreover you can download them back to Open Office, so you are not
> locked in at all.
> 
> You can also take a look at Google Apps Basic for email, which integrates
> well with Google Docs. For example, all attachments that can be opened
> in Google Documents have a "View" link that you click on right in the email.
> This applies to word processing documents, spreadsheet and PDFs too.
> 
> It is free, and open enough, and you don't host anything.

Agreed, it's perfect for some situations. But not this one - the 
spreadsheet is just not sophisticated enough, yet.