John;

You have and will receive a lot of good advise on this topic. I am just interested if you have a contract or what? It seems like there has been no decision on specifics. I would define and seperate hardware/software issues and then you are still left with politics!

Seems like you should have or be doing a "needs analysis" and define what is required. The assistance of the original developer may not be the greatest asset in this case. As mentioned by others, I hope you are using a framework that lends itself to what needs to be done. If you are not fimilar with nTier (Windows DNA, etc.) take it easy. Do what you do best and deliver a good product on time and within budget.

Hope it turns out for everyone - sounds like you have some serious political problems. Just do not discuss what political party you belong to - it might help!

Tom