Need help choosing Informix components for our needs .

Hello, I'm currently investigating possible database solutions for system needs. I think Informix may be the answer, and I'm currently arranging for an evaluation. In addition to the eval, I need to have a good idea of a cost estimate. In talking with the sales rep, I felt that I need advice from real users to help select components. If you could take the time to read this and give your personal recommendations of components to consider, won't hold you to it :=) Number users: Probably 1 developer (me) 2-8 Runtime users One consideration may be to get 2-8 developers for the Sun Sparc components, as there may be 2 developer's later, maybe not. System uses: Full range queries and modifies from AutoCAD V12, running on Sun Sparc and PC with MS-Windows. Dialin access to modify data, run reports, etc in dumb terminal Ability to run Custom Apps from Server, via Xwindows to modify data and/or Ability to run Custom Apps on PCs (some dos, some windows). Ability to build custom apps on PC and Sun Platforms System requirements: 1 SPARCstation, currently SS2, running SunOS4.1.3, OpenLook This system may be upgraded to SS10-40 and/or Solaris 2.3 This is the system I want to run the Online Engine on. This is the system I will do all Custom Sun apps on. This system will also need to have client access for custom Xwin apps and AutoCAD (yes AutoCAD on Database server) Need to be able to run reports (saved queries) and print. 2 SPARCstations, currently SS2, running SunOS4.1.3, OpenLook One of these may be upgraded to SS10-40 Both of these may be migrated to Solaris with server Need to Run AutoCAD V12 and query/modify data on server Need to be able to run reports (saved queries) and print. 1 SPARCstations, currently SS2, running Solaris V2.3, OpenLook This system is for me to do tests for Solaris Migration Need to Run AutoCAD V12 and query/modify data on server Need to be able to run reports (saved queries) and print. 6 PCs running Dos 6.2 and MS-Windows 3.1 These PCs are running AutoCAD V12 for Windows and need query/modify data cababilities Need to be able to run X11 Custom apps written on Sparc already can run X11 apps via PC Xserver May need to be able to run custom MS-Windows apps May need to be able to run reports and print 5 PCs running Dos 6.2 and MS-Windows 3.1 Need to be able to run X11 Custom apps written on Sparc already can run X11 apps via PC Xserver May need to be able to run custom MS-Windows apps May need to be able to run reports and print 2-4 PCs running Dos only to run custom apps to modify data and run/print reports, or may just use dumb terminal interface. Many thankyou's in advance, I plan to give this same info to the sales rep, I just wanted independant recommendations. Also, maybe with each component, which do you recommend getting support and which level. I'm sure we would get full anuall support for all Sun components. -- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Joseph P. DeCello III **Computer Asst.** Email: decello@cad.msu.edu Michigan State University CPP Phone: (517) 355-9582 Dept. of Campus Park and Planning hours: MWF 8-11,2-4 EDT