I've used a Table Driven Menu system ever since Fox 2.0, The basic concept is this:

(1) Create a Table of Users

(2) Create a Table of Program Groups or Categories (Example: Payroll, A/R, A/P, etc.)

(3) Create a Table of Programs and tie the programs to appropriate group

(4) Create a Table of Users assigned to the programs.

The advantages I have is like you mentioned,

(1) One Icon on the user's desktop
(2) Better Control of what user can run what program
(3) Each program is it's own project for better management
(4) You can add/remove programs from one location

I know my answer is extremely general, but it would be too much to place all of the details on the thread. I'll be happy to E-Mail you more documentation if you like. Over all, it's easy to set up.