In the past year or so, I've built both a Filemaker database and PHP/MySQL-based solution while working for a small non-profit educational organization. While my own preference is the web-based (PHP,MySQL,XHTML,CSS) solution, I'd highly recommend going with Filemaker as most organizations of this nature can't afford to train/employ PHP-savvy developers.
Filemaker isn't the greatest as a database solution, I actually prefer the usability I can create with a web interface to it. But Filemaker is easy to learn & develop in - it's certainly a confidence builder, and this may be its most important feature for small organizations with limited budgets when it comes to employing dedicated techies.
Every time I post a craigslist ad I broadcast to outerspace. guess I should build some better AI into my posts before I go soliciting aliens. : p
In the past year or so, I've built both a Filemaker database and PHP/MySQL-based solution while working for a small non-profit educational organization. While my own preference is the web-based (PHP,MySQL,XHTML,CSS) solution, I'd highly recommend going with Filemaker as most organizations of this nature can't afford to train/employ PHP-savvy developers. Filemaker isn't the greatest as a database solution, I actually prefer the usability I can create with a web interface to it. But Filemaker is easy to learn & develop in - it's certainly a confidence builder, and this may be its most important feature for small organizations with limited budgets when it comes to employing dedicated techies.