hello,
i am not bidding to win the project, i just want give some advice .
first, because you are a non profit organisation, also i like the honourable job you are doing.
thirdly i had worked a lot with french non profit organisation to developp a software that helps people with desabilities to get work and work easily.
well, i had a significative experience in delphi from delphi 1 , delphi 3, and delphi 5 entreprise edition, that's about 10 years, i worked as a developper so i had a little idea about what will suit to both, users and developpers, also will grew up the compagny.
yes, i am thinking about php and mysql solution !. why?
for those reasons :
for the end users ( researchers or others)
1- they are all comfortable with the use of internet browser, the reports can be more attractives, more significatives etc...
2- they can work evry where , no need to reinstall, they all have the same portal, and have there our account on the system, and the system is secure.
for the developpers :
1- the code will be readable, they can find help on internet, and can uses latest technologies like ajax etc..., also good programming methods like extreme programing, etc..
2- moving from delphi to php is easy ( same structure, php is like C,C# and others) and will be benefecial for the code, because, we have to find a better way to do things..
and the last reason, the migration will be with minor costs.
so, my advice is go to php/mysql and have fun.
thanks ,and for any help you are welcome