We are developing an "off-the-shelf" software application to be distributed to retail customers. Our product will be similar to products such as MYOB, Quickbooks and ACT (but in very different sectors), in that (i) it will involve storing, retrieving and reporting on large amounts of customer data in a structured, multi-table database, (ii) it will be fully packaged for easy installation and use.
We are currently making decisions on (a) what database to use, and what (b) languages or development tools to use for building the user interface. In that context I have two questions about successful products that have a similar database orientation and a similar distribution/installation model.
First, what databases are used for the following three applications: MYOB, Quickbooks and ACT Contact Manager? I am also interested in what databases might be used for other similar applications sold to the retail or small-business market.
Second, what languages or development tools were used to build these applications?
Someone recently told me that all three products were built using SQL Server, but I'm skeptical of this answer. I was also told that applications such as these COULD be built using SQL Server + Visual Studio.
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