Selling Software online?

Hi. I developed a database (MSAccess) and instead of going into companies locations and installing it, I am looking to sell it (downloadable version) online, by taking credit card details and then sending users to a downloadable screen (where they can download a demo or the full product).

Has anyone done this, and are there anythings I should consider when selling custom MS Access databases - such as are there prebuilt websites for selling software I can use - and do I need to buy the XP Development edition where I can control beforehand how the user sets up the download and where I can distribute the db engine etc?

Thanks for answers in advance..

Thats all I wanted to know is if anyone has attempted it?
I have a HND in Buisness Information technology and have recently been accepted to do my masters (in Multimedia and design), and have eight years experience of ms access development..and run my own business, but I have never attempted this..but hey hoo thanks for your ikle responses.

Firstly, the majority of decent webhosting companies offer an ecommerce solution and they'll also offer a sitebuilding service so getting that side of things set up is relatively simple.

As for retailing databases - Am I understanding correctly that you are building the front end in MS Access aswell? If you do that the client will need a copy of MS Access to use the database so there would be a potential problem. Don't underestimate a client, if someone buys a database from you and can't use it expect a big headache.

The engine itself is included with current versions of Windows and for older versions the MDAC can be downloaded for free from Microsofts website, you could also redistribute it yourself as long as you credit Microsoft and display their information with it.

One important thing though, clients rarely know exactly what they want and a custom database is somewhat specific. Analysts get paid a lot of money for working out what the client *actually* wants.

You will find that there are a GREAT MANY DETAILS and some expense in setting up to sell on-line, especially since you want to take credit cards AND have it down-loadable.

Considering your questions, I think you need to contact somebody directly, like a business consultant, rather than try it on your own.

Your questions indicate a SEVERE lack of the required knowledge of setting up websites, financing, advertising, and maybe even proper programing!

I have "made" many special purpose databases, both for myself and various companies, USUALLY on contract; and have found FROM EXPERIENCE, that what I thought was good initially, based on what they SAID they wanted, had to be modified considerably in almost every case to end up with what they REALLY wanted.

I note that for a commercial database that must be secure; and, depending on use, must comply with many different government regulations, it is my opinion that MSAccess would currently be my LAST choice as a base for developing such programs!

Hope this helped, and good luck.