Create an app that lets me enter a database name for a db that exists somewhere on the network, but known only by filename, which returns a valid connection object without me having to specify it when I want to access it. Let it advertise its schema, as well, so that my app doesn't have to know in advance what fields and tables I have to construct; they should be constructed dynamically when I connect. Assume that I'm a manager, and therefore clueless. I know that's not an acheivable goal; the spec isn't even realistic. But you sound like a student trying to find a final project worthy of your skills. The future of our industry is going to rest in the realm of "seamlessness." Non-technical people are going to expect us to produce products that they can use without extensive technical knowledge, that extend their limited PC skills to business processes and objectives. Find a business process that is currently being done badly, and do it in a way that makes it brainless. Supply chain management is one area that comes immediately to mind. Most of it is done using paper and pencil, plus a lot of emails and phone calls. Create a stock replenishment system that analyzes sales patterns and automates reordering product. CRM, Customer Relationship Management software is also big right now; when is the last time you called Mr. XXX? I once read a book, by Robert Heinlein, I believe, where a manager had what was called a 'Farley file' for every visitor. When that person visited, he'd punch up his file, and it would display everything he knew about that person, enabling him to ask about the wife, kids, job, favorite foods... What a great idea, yet it still has yet to be implemented by anyone. There's a couple of ideas, just to get you started. I'm sure you'll think of more. Hopefully you'll publish whatever you do here so that the rest of us can learn from your efforts. I think I could come up with some more ideas, but it's late... "Another day done - All targets met; all systems fully operational; all customers satisfied; all staff keen and well motivated; all pigs fed and ready to fly" - Jennie A.
