InfoPath Dev

I want to set up either an SQL server or a Sharepoint server for use with an Infopath form.  I really only have two constraints, I need to be able to quickly pull and compile the data in the forms into an Excel worksheet and the form needs to be available anywhere.  I've also never set up an SQL server or a Sharepoint server, or a server of any kind.  So, I'm looking for a recommendation on which of these I should use, AND if you could give me an idea of what I have to do in order to make the db available anywhere.

Thanks

Justin 

The access anywhere will require either VPN or a server that is accessible from the Internet.  This can be setting up routing through your router or adding another NIC which is setup on the Internet directly.  Lots of possiblities.

I personally would go with the SQL database since I believe it gives you more flexibility and power.  Especially if you want to have reporting and Excel connectivity, with SQL you can setup your excel spreadsheet to connect directly.  I would also look at SQL Reporting Services, with these you can setup live reports and charts which may be what you are thinking of doing with Excel, but with SRS you set them up once and you can view them anytime via a web browser.

Do you need browser based forms or are you going to use InfoPath as your client.  If you need browser based forms then that would be one reason to look at SharePoint.

Have you looked at the Database Accelerator diagram? http://www.qdabra.com It shows how InfoPath and SQL can be tied together to provide a complete foundation.

Hope that helps.

Hi

I totally agree with Clay that SQL is the preferred databae for speed.  It also beats SharePoint hands-down with reporting possibilities.  Using Microsoft Query you can link Excel into the database to pull back the latest results every time it is opened.  Go into Excel, Data, Import External Data, and select new database query, let Windows Installer go to work and then set the link up inculding username and password if you want to.

I hope this helps

Cheers