What simple embeded database?

Hi all,

I am looking for the right tool for this job. I am trying to set up a real simple relational database for a few hundred INDIVIDUALS who wish to produces a simple report. A word template manages the current task (!) and although this is cumbersome, it does do the job. The application is simply a list of dance data. However, for added simplicity we want to give the users an even easier ride.

We want the user to be able to produce the report in a format that can be used within a word document (if not a word document itself) and am looking at a data store of maybe 5000 records. 99% of the users will be using individual machines not on broadband and so the need of an embedded database is key.

I myself have come from a predominantly MS background and although I could knock up a database in Access, I think the 40MB MDSE download or Access runtime files needed run the application is a bit of a non starter. The end application we be predominantly downloaded via narrow band connections.

The ability for users to download updates to the data store simply is essential, and some user may well add further records so, a way so sending these would also be useful.

I have used Delphi a LONG time ago, but wondered what other type of options are out there.

Chris