>I need to log onto a specific server, pick up mail which consists of database update requests, process the requests and send replies to the authors. I'm still unsure of the best way to do this and was wondering if anyone has already been through the design process and could advise me of the best methodology.

You need an OCX which can do POP3 and SMTP mail.

MailX Extension is what I use and I already made several installations at different sites. This is also what the Universal Thread Navigator is using to let a user send email. This product is extremely powerful.