evaluating databases

I have been assigned the task of evaluating databases. I are not going to be doing benchmarking. I am sure that there are enough statistics on that to fill a whole recycling bin. I am not sure what criteria one should put on his checklist for evaluating a database management package. The database package that we choose will probably run on its own dedicated server. I assume that people out on the net have gone thru that process and some of you must have come up with a checklist of aspects to test and evaluate. I would very must interested in any criteria lists people have formulated and their experiences in this task. Our first meeting on this project is Monday May 11 so I would appreciate any speedy responses that you can supply. Please respond by email. Thanks in advance, Allen Septon Geac Computer Corporation Markham, Ontario allen@geac.com 416-475-7733