i'd like to setup a small database accessble thru a web interface. 
The database will initially be used to catalog all of the different
manufacturers' catalogs that we have.  We'd like to be able to search
on "bolts" for example and list all of the bolt manufacturer catalog
that we have along with the location of where it's filed and some
other info like when we rec'd the catalog, who we rec'd it from, where
we purchase the materials in the catalog, etc.

I was thinking of using excel to create and maintain the info and
access it thru internet explorer on the clients.  However, would
prefer a web interface for this also.

All machines are currently networked with one user's machine available
as a file server.  all machines run either win xp, me or 98.  And have
some form of ms office.  we do not have or want to run win2000.  I
would consider installing inexpensive or freeware software to
accomplish this task.

Can this be done inexpensively and simply, using the built in
capabilities of our system?  if so, how?

I´m almost sure I have the perfect solution for you.
It´s an online database developped in germany called baseportal and
I´ve been using the system for online database purposes for several
years now.
The system can turn a list you handle on your local system in excel
into an online database within a few minutes.
What you have to do is store your excel list in a format called CSV
(colon seperated values)abnd import the data to the online system.
(Excel offers this CVS format.)
Baseportal is a perl script that runs on a webserver and the data
entered can be handled by using any web-browser.
You can import your local data into the basportal system in
csv-format, change add or delete records via browser from any system
that has internet access.

"Whether news system, message board or product database - create your
own web database in a few minutes - for free!"
from:
( http://www.baseportal.com)

There´s an "Easy start" section on the basportal page where complete
beginners are lead through the process of creating their very first
database within a few minutes. That´s the point where you should
start.
baseportal Easy Start
( http://baseportal.com/estart/index.html )

If you should have any problems you will be supported in a message
board (forum) for free:
baseportal forum
( http://baseportal.com/baseportal/baseportal/forum )
I´m am member of the support team there (although I´m more active in
the german version baseportal.de).
You can include the baseportal database on your existing webpage if you wish. 

I hope that the basportal system will help you to solve the problem.
I´ll be happy to give more assistance if required.

till-ga

Search strategy:
No search done as I´m an experienced user of the described online-database system.

---

Request for Answer Clarification by richnard-ga on 29 Apr 2004 19:28 PDT

i've experimented with this baseportal and find it unacceptable.  I
was really looking for an intranet based solution

---

Clarification of Answer by till-ga on 29 Apr 2004 23:43 PDT

What kind of intranet software do you use ?
Can you create a MYSQL database from the data you want to handle ?
There are several php / MySQL based solutions available.

till-ga

Thanks for the pointer to this resource! I may be mistaken but it
looks like baseportal requires *Internet* access and Richnard-ga said
he needs an *Intranet* solution, i.e., one that doesn't depend on
outside resources.

i did initially want an intranet solution, but may consider this
internet application after i figure it out.