>>(snip)if I do put my validation into a table instead of the dbc, how can let users use a M$ Office tool for custom query and reporting tasks? Some sort of Automation Server?
>
>Yes, exactly. A Remote Automation Server.

< bg > Ok... so for once I'm not letting my brain ramble for nothing! So help me out here John, I understand the concept of Automation Servers but have no hands on experience (nor do any of my co-workers), and I need to be able to picture this in my mind so I can explain it to the powers that be. What is a Remote Automation Server for Excel/Access going to look like to the users?