A couple of years ago I spent quite a lot of time investigating various relational database possibilities, aware that having made a choice I was unlikely to want to change my mind. In the end I went for Filemaker, a database program similar to Microsoft Access in concept but much easier for a layman to work with. It's available in Mac and Windows versions (important for me, because I'm a Mac devotee). Anyone who is contemplating purchasing a database program should at least consider Filemaker as an alternative to Access or the various open source alternatives. For what it's worth, the JC Raulston Arboretum database manager, who has long experience of both, told me recently that she regards Filemaker as vastly superior to Access for horticultural applications. Her boss, who dislikes computers, agreed. Tasks like importing and exporting text or Excel files are extremely simple and, once you have filled it with data, using the database to generate reports (e.g. 'give me a list of all blue-flowered bulbs, acquired through PBS, flowering between March and May' is straightforward). I'd recommend it highly and would add that a good relational database can become an immensely powerful tool over time, if the data it contains are accurate. Email me privately if you have specific questions and I'd be happy to answer them if I can. Tom, Zone 8 (Nerine in full flower, Colchicum going over and autumn Crocus species starting)