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I want to create my own site. It should has online database of companies.

First page: Form for adding companies, with upload company files and logos fields this form will have such fields:

  • company name
  • upload company logo
  • address
  • web-site
  • additional info
  • upload your profile in .doc

Second page: the list of added companies with ability to see their logos and download their files.

Any suggestions how to do it? I don't know web programming frameworks, can I use any site builders?

wufoo.com looks great but not free, any suggestions from where to start?

I was looking in IRC channels in #perl, #ror, #php but had no much luck and some guy suggested to ask here..

I have a short deadline so any help much appreciated

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5 Answers

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Take a look at Google Sites. You can also create lists (e.g. for the companies) and share the pages with anyone you like.

From here:

What is Google Sites?

Google Sites is an online application that makes creating a team website as easy as editing a document. With Google Sites, people can quickly gather a variety of information in one place - including videos, calendars, presentations, attachments and text - and easily share it for viewing or editing with a small group, their entire organisation or the world. Get started with Google Sites at http://sites.google.com/site. Key product features:

  • Customise your site's interface to resemble your group or project's look and feel
  • Create a new sub-page with the click of a button
  • Choose from a growing list of page types: web page, announcements, file cabinet
  • Centralise shared information: Embed rich content (video, Google Docs documents, spreadsheets, presentations, Picasa photo slide shows, iGoogle gadgets) into any page, and upload file attachments
  • Manage permissions settings to keep your site as private or widely editable and viewable as you'd like
  • Search across your Google Sites content with Google search technology

Edit:
A look at the homepage of MyTaskHelper.com reveals that it would fit your need:

Using My Task Helper it is possible to add File and Image fields. So you may ask your users to upload as much files or images as you need.

But as I see it, it is a startup, so I guess it will not stay free and unlimited like it is now. I think it will get ad-supported or subscription-based in the future.

Of course that should not hold you back for giving it a try. You can also change to another provider in the future if they don't meet your needs (being free) anymore.

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Thanks, fretje! Just tried to create few pages with google sites: from the first look I can't see the way to upload files and images? Is this service absolutely free and I have no any restrictions? – Igor Nov 8 at 16:04
You can attach files: sites.google.com/support/bin/… It is a free service yes, and it is also included in google apps for domains (which is also free), so you can link it to your own domain. – fretje Nov 8 at 16:07
I don't know about restrictions. I suppose there will be some yes, but at least not on the number of pages (sites.google.com/support/bin/…) ;-) – fretje Nov 8 at 16:08
And here's how to upload images: sites.google.com/support/bin/… – fretje Nov 8 at 16:10
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@Igor: No, no experience with mytaskhelper.com. I hadn't actually heard from it before this question. But from their homepage it seems they support what you need: "Using My Task Helper it is possible to add File and Image fields. So you may ask your users to upload as much files or images as you need." – fretje Nov 8 at 17:00
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Depending on how urgent it is, you could lean PHP yourself (it is not a difficult language, and integrates well with MySQL to give you database control), or if you're not looking for any interactivity, a WYSIWYG editor like Adobe Dreamweaver or Microsoft Frontpage (or a free, open source offering. I'm really not into WYSIWYG editors, so I'll leave that up to somebody else to find) and simply do it as HTML.

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Thanks for the quick reply, Phoshi! But unfortuanally learning PHP is not a case. I'll not be able to learn it within a few days or so. Also, as I said, I need some kind of online database. Is Frontpage or Dreamweaver allows it? Thanks – Igor Nov 8 at 15:39
I'm sorry, but I don't know anything like that. I'm hardly knowledgable in the area, though, so don't lose hope :) – Phoshi Nov 8 at 15:46
Yep, sure, but thank you again! :) – Igor Nov 8 at 15:57
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There are some content management systems out there that can do the heavy lifting for you like Drupal or Joomla. Like all things new, there will be a bit of a curve getting it setup.

I mainly use Drupal so I would suggest that. Sounds like you could probably do what you want easily with the CCK and Views modules

Another option that I haven't tried is a company called SquareSpace, but that looks mainly point and click

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Thanks, quickcel! I can't use SquareSpace because it's not free, I forgot to mention - I have no money for this, so I can't hire developer or pay for any kind of SquareSpace..I need some free way Regarding Drupal and Joomla, from the first look I see another problem, - I have no enough skills to even install it...configuring and installing databases required, any other server configuration.... I'm able to host html site, build basic html pages, but I need just a way to collect users input - companies and share it on another page. But thank you for your quick answer! – Igor Nov 8 at 15:53
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If you would like ready-made Web applications, here are some sites that specialize in online database:

Zoho Reports

is an online reporting and business intelligence service that helps you get new insights on your business information. It allows you to easily create and share powerful reports in minutes with no IT help.

Dabble DB

helps you create online databases on the web. It’s easy to use yet extremely flexible and powerful.

Web Database

The WebOffice Database Manager makes it easy to securely organize, access, and manage your data on the web. You’ll have an online and always-ready information resource available for your entire business.

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Thank you, harrymc but I can't afford this tools, I have reviewed this sites and their prices is not what I can afford, I need something totally free... – Igor Nov 8 at 15:56
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yeah Igor Google Sites is good enough for you. I personally prefer Google Sites but there is also another free site editor from Google's search engine competitor, Microsoft. Check out Microsoft's free website builder, the tools are actually kinda nice :D http://smallbusiness.officelive.com/

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Thank you, but I just pressed "Try for free" and it shows me that I didn't meet requirements, i.e. browser and OS, I'm using Safary and Mac OS X, so the tools which limited me in any way is not a choice, but thank you – Igor Nov 18 at 5:17

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