Database design question/advice sought

[marksmithhfx]

Hi, I'm having difficulty figuring out how I can solve a multi-platform database problem. Advice appreciated...

The context: data is being collected on an iPad and needs to be incrementally added to a PC-based desktop database. Currently data is being collected in a SQLite file on the iPad and then backed up to the PC daily using iTunes. The data should not be retained on the iPad any longer than is necessary (ie “completed” records should be deleted from the iPad once they are copied to the archival database). If possible, no manual intervention should be required (ie. it should all be automated). (Note: it may take several forays into the field to “complete” a record. There is a flag that gets set when the data entry person has completed the record.) (Note: no wifi or 3g so a mobile client/server solution is not possible)

One possible Solution: in two parts:

(1) create an application on the PC that is triggered by the iTunes backup process and does the following:
a. Extracts the sqlite file from the iTunes backup
b. Opens the sqlite file and copies “completed” records from the file to an “archival” database on the PC

(2) “completed” records on the iPad are automatically deleted after X number of days (I can handle this part)

Question: can I trigger an application to run automatically on the PC after an iTunes backup?

Any advice or suggestions appreciated (particularly for the Question above).

Thanks

-- Mark

[mwieder]

Don't know if it will help, but Tom McGrath has an iTunes library on revOnline.
If that doesn't do it, maybe AppleScript can come to the rescue.

[marksmithhfx]

Don't know if it will help, but Tom McGrath has an iTunes library on revOnline.
If that doesn't do it, maybe AppleScript can come to the rescue.

Thanks Mark. I'll go take a look (and keep my fingers crossed). Something like the equivalent of AppleScript on PC would probably do it.

[marksmithhfx]

Don't know if it will help, but Tom McGrath has an iTunes library on revOnline.
If that doesn't do it, maybe AppleScript can come to the rescue.

Hey Mark, just wanted to let you know Tom McGrath was very helpful in finding a solution to my problem. Such a great community here.

-- Mark