I am a simple man with simple needs.  I need a module to manage a data-driven site that intends to allow users to enter a half dozen entries--text boxes, drop down, radio buttons and perhaps a checkbox or two--save these entries into an SQL database, then allow users to query these data.  Simpe as that.

I was thinking this could be done with some of the core modules, but not at my level.  For example, if it were possible to add a second login module to the site that stores the submissions in another DB, I could customize the required fields and have them stored using different variable names...then use the report module (I haven't played with this module, so perhaps I am wrong here) to let users select a few parameters used to query the records submitted through the login module.  Does this make any sense?  :)

Nonetheless, I looked at XMod and did my homework, and it appears the data are stored using XML and there is no way to tie the custom forms/query to an SQL db...not until the next release, they say.  I looked at NukeDK, List X, Dynamic Forms, Form Master, and a bunch of others, but not sure which is best (reads: cheapest and powerful, yet easy enough that even a caveman can do it) given my needs.

In fact, I saw some $10 form modules that allow you to create custom forms using drop-downs and radio buttons, et al, and save them to an SQL DB...perhaps something this simple would work, then use the report or UDT module for the query? 

I just want to make sure I get something to serves my needs without dropping $100 and getting something that only serves half my needs.  :)

Suggestions? I'm willing to pay through the nose for these, so long as the slope of the learning curve is flat and the presentation of the data is a nice, customizable table...users input data and users query the records submitted buy the other users...simple as that.

I have not used dynamic forms. I have Xmod, Listx, H20, and Universal List. My impression is that Dynamic Forms is geared towards question and answer type solutions like testing applications.

Right now Listx is the most powerful but the learning curve is very high.  Xmod has the best display/template/tag engine by far and has great documentation, help, and support. When it has the ability to work with regular sql tables it will be hard to beat - Xmod 5 should be coming out any day now but you will probably have to wait a little longer for the right data manager to work with sql tables.

Universal List, Indoo Grid, and Module Builder are all ones I have been keeping my eye on as they all work with sql tables. Universal List is looking pretty good but will only work with the DNN database (rumors are they will fix this soon). The advantage to Module Builder is that you can build modules and use them on as many hosts/sites as you'd like. The down side to these three is their display/tag capabilites are not nearly as good as Xmod.  Which would also be true of Forms Master 1.5, and Dynamic Forms in my opinion.  Buying H20 was a big mistake and a waste of money.

In the last couple of days I have been exploring the possibilities of integrating Iron Speed Designer with DNN. But so far it is not looking too promising that these two can work together - which in my opinion is a huge mistake on ISD's part.  I'd also like to learn more about KodHedZ forms modules for DNN but have not been too successful in finding any info or getting responses from them.

Hope this helps

Greg

Take a look at Enterprise Forms. It allows for nice form building with lots of good features (databinding of controls, etc, so you can populate a dropdownlist from data in tables) ... you can specify that the form data be stored in SQL tables (default is in xml string), and it will generate a table based upon how you define the elements in the form. You can create work flow based on your business needs, and there is a report builder that allows you to build multiple reports against the same table, also allowing for inputting parameters and filtering for search results.

I'd be lying if I didn't say it has a bit of a learning curve ... but I've been able to meet some unique needs with it because once the data is in the table, then I can build other modules, for example, that use that data when business needs take us beyond their report manager's capabilities.

Good support and improvements keep coming.

Another alternative, not so complex, and I think it does now or will soon also have ability to save to SQL table rather than XML fragments: Form Master. Great tool.