database software advice?

Q:I have a question for you, hoping you can point me in the right direction. I am currently putting together a database for the Restorative Exercise Institute of all who have taken the Training Program. Right now, I'm compiling all the info in an excel spreadsheet, but it seems like the best way to manage all the data is in a database. It is currently a fairly small number of people (under 100) but over time of course, the numbers will grow and a spreadsheet doesn't seem like the "right" way to ultimately deal with and use all this info.

Do you have any suggestions? It doesn't have to be super sophisticated, we need something simple, that will allow us ot easily email, create mailing labels, and manage the data- including expiration dates of certifications. I realized when I googled "database software" that I might be exploring systems that were way more than we need.

Breena Maggio, Restorative Exercise Specialist www.restorativeexercise.com

A: Hi Breena-

I have a dynamite (and inexpensive - $49) database called Bento, but it is only designed for Macs. However, the parent company also makes Filemaker Pro for PC's, which is a very good program, although more expensive than Bento (Filemaker Pro is listed at $299). It will do everything you want, is fairly easy to learn, and will easily import all your current data from excel. They do have a free 30 day trial, and, if you don't decide to continue, you could then export your data back into excel, so you won't have lost any data. Here's a link to a short demo video: http://bit.ly/cmHoWe