SQL & ISP Accountancy Package

[Robert Davidson <debstuff@mail.ebbs.com.au>]

Hi People,

I'm just wondering something about SQL.  I maintain an accountancy 
package for ISPs that still use dialup modems and the ones who allow 
shell logins.

The package keeps track of data downloaded/uploaded, subscription 
expirys, idle limits, user process cpu load, time limits, subscription 
expiry notices and so on.

I want to know if I should be using SQL.  I've had a few people ask me 
for it in the last year or so, but I havn't been very keen to implement 
it because I only see SQL slowing it down, causing more network 
traffic, cpu load, etc.

What I really want to know is if SQL would be a good idea, and why, I 
need some good points to SQL to get the enthusiasm up to actually do 
it.  I think I want to do it, but I'm not sure if SQL is going to be 
all that great.

Also, does anyone know where I could find a *free* guide to writing sql 
programs, and efficient sql commands or whatever?

If anyone's interested, the url for the package I'm talking about
is http://acua.ebbs.com.au

Thanks in advance,
Robert Davidson.