Hi! I am helping a friend of mine with his business which offers building and constructions services. I am looking for some ways to improve its performance. I was thinking about an on-line system (some kind of website/ message board?) I don’t actually know. The idea is that clients could access files and information on that ‘website’ such as quotations, work schedules, etc. Each client would have own login and password so that they would access information related only to them.
It could be something similar to blackboard (Virtual Learning Environment). It cannot be really expensive i.e.: bespoke solutions.

What is it I am looking for? Is there such a thing available on the internet?

I use the ning platform (http://msaccesshintsandtips.ning.com/)to create websites, you could create a main website open to members, and once you have gained a customer you could create a website for each customer quickly and easily, just give them exclusive access for sharing confidential information. This would be your cheapest option.

If you want to chat about web stuff give me a prod - I run an IT Support/Website Design company specialising in Content Management Systems which sounds like it would fit your needs perfectly, with very strict security systems in place and so forth.

Ruth