Is InfoPath 2007 Right for Me?

[Rob]

I'm new to InfoPath - I've watched a few MS Webcasts, but am still not sure
if it's the right tool for me.

I have a team that needs a tool that will:
-allow them to enter specifications for room design (this kind of paint,
this many chairs, this color rug, etc) which will be stored in an Access
database on the LAN
-allow them to make these choices while in the office on the LAN as well as
when offline at a client meeting which may or may not have Internet access
-allow us to review the client selection options at a later time and make
changes as necessary (I know I told you this paint at our meeting, but now
I'm telling you something else over the phone)
-allow us to navigate between records (see the choices of client A, move to
the next record and see the choices of client B, move to the next record and
see the choices of client C)
-allow us to print reports which summarize and group the client choices
(will most likely have to be an Access driven report, right?)

From what I have seen so far, InfoPath is more one time data entry in nice
easy to use forms (instead of clunky Access forms). Can it also be used to
move between records and make changes to existing records in the underlying
Access database?

I have InfoPath 2007 as well as a Sharepoint server at my disposal.

Can the experts give me some guidance?

Many thanks,
Rob

 

[Shiva (GGK Tech)]

Hello,

We can modify the existing forms data of InfoPath forms. If we open existing
forms from SharePoint we can modify the data and submit it again which will
overwrites the existing data. If you want these data export to excel feature
to export the data to excel sheet.

 

[Rob]

That doesn't really help. I'm not looking for a broken English sales pitch.
Can somebody give me some advice on online/offline data submission using
InfoPath 2007?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[TC]

We've been using it as an offline and online user interface for a large
number of reps recording customer interactions for the past year. Our form
connects to a backend web service.

Works fine. We are not using Sharepoint.

I am overall impressed with the simplicity of the application from a
development persective as long as you don't try to step outside of the box.

 

[Rob]

THAT'S what I'm looking for. Thanks so much. I'll start reading Pro
InfoPath2007 (Philo Janus) that I just picked up at Barnes & Noble.

-Rob

 

[TC]

I have that book. It's ok.

However "Designing Forms for Microsoft Office InfoPath and Forms Services
2007" by Scott Roberts and Hagen Green, is a better reference in my mind. It
just bailed me out of a tough spot with attachments and timeouts.

TC