The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

I was just wondering about a web-based system because that's a little closer to my skill set (also it's easier and cheaper to support). I can see that a basic spreadsheet would work in many cases, but if others want more in the way of searching (possibly also document generation, backup?) and a web-based system would work for them... I'm idly pondering putting something together.

Web hosted is fine and gives the advantage of access from multiple machines/platforms and locations. Security would be my primary issue as a fair amount of sensitive data is stored however that is easy enough to deal with. Also there is the cost consideration and ability to remove the data to a local device if the RFD's needs changed.

As an example, an RFD retires after 7-8 years yet the data has to be stored for 20 years, can it be pulled off the server or does the RFD have to continue subscribing to the system.

ovenpaa wrote:As an example, an RFD retires after 7-8 years yet the data has to be stored for 20 years, can it be pulled off the server or does the RFD have to continue subscribing to the system.

Oh, you'd definitely have to have the facility to download all data in a sensible format. I wouldn't recommend any business use a critical service that didn't allow them to keep their own independent backups.

The only problem with web hosting and the cloud is the requirements in the Data Protection Act for transferring data overseas - http://tinyurl.com/m8qs8kq

Dropbox for instance hosts outside the UK

knewmans wrote:The only problem with web hosting and the cloud is the requirements in the Data Protection Act for transferring data overseas - http://tinyurl.com/m8qs8kq

Dropbox for instance hosts outside the UK

But there's plenty of hosting in the UK (and other EU/ECC countries if necessary). Plus there are various conditions about countries with similar protections which I believe have been used in the past re the US, not that I'd bother with that.

I'm sure our friends at GCHQ would be sniffing it all anyway :)

Ditto, there is no requirement to have a bespoke system and as long as the register has all the same details as required on the paper one of the past (and still at the moment) it's fine.

I use a local spread sheet and back it up regularly. All agreed with the FEOs and more than suitable to the task. I even have a separate one for the ammo in/out.

I am amazed at the marketing of several of the bigger shooting organisations who are trying to scare me in to buying a high cost solution that doesn't suit the smaller business. They all seem to hint that I must choose a recognised database, preferably one with some extra feature, like automatic update of guns for sale to guntrader etc.