[Andrew_Kelly]

Hi Everyone,

I am hoping you guys may be able to guide me somewhat in my quest to learn, and get a job done. I was hired at my work to do a lot internal work, and other things by the head of Communications. Unfortunately, because I was not hired by the development team, and instead a non-tech brand of my workplace I have a big problem when it comes to a lot of work related issue. For example (and this is a big one):

I HAVE NO ACCESS TO SERVER SIDE SCRIPTING OR DATABASES!

Problem? Yes it is, because my boss wants to get things done like being able to have a section where she fills out a form, hits submit and then it sends out an e-mail to everyone. I could do this easily with PHP, or ASP but due to the fact I am limited to XHTML, CSS, Javascript, XML, and Actionscript (although flash is considered unstable here, so it's not overly recommended.)

I have heard and read things that I can do something with Ajax, where the form would save straight to an XML file, foregoing my need of a database. However, everything I've found usually has a PHP file associated with it.

I also know that I can take XML and post it onto a page without the need of server side scripting, and I've done it before.

So my question is, do you guys know if it is possible to update/create a xml file with only javascript/ajax? If so, do you know where I could go to learn this. I've read a few books, but everything I get to, reverts to either ASP and PHP, which doesn't fly here.

Any help would be huge!

Thanks a lot,
Andrew Kelly

[ghopper]

So how are you actually going to send out the email? If it's using a server - well ask for access to that server to install the form.

And why do you need to store the stuff in an XML file or a database if you just want to send an email - for logging?

If you don't have access to any server at all, just set up a simple form and use the mailto: protocol, and the email should be sent using the default email client installed on the PC where the form is being sent from. You can have the BCC fields filled out already as well. For logging you can use javascript to save to files - check out this link (works in IE only I think)

But the easiest is just demand access to a server where you can install this form and do everything with PHP/ASP or whatever. If they can't give you access to an internal server just buy some cheap hosting from dreamhost.com or godaddy.com.

Let us know how you get on.

[Andrew_Kelly]

I work for a division within a well known Canadian bank, so I'm not really able to demand much. LOL

The reason I need the xml file, is because my boss wants to be able to keep every single e-mail file sent out, incase it gets delete or something important is required. It's more or less a neccessity to have everything sent out, backed up.

I would use a simple code, but it's more or less an e-mail newsletter which is to be styled and designed to resemble it's print version. That was my original idea, but really won't work out as well.

As far as sending it out, I haven't even managed to plan that far ahead. I am considering getting a host for this project, as well as a few select others I have been restricted too, but was trying to put it all off, as it involves sign off from about two dozen people.

Thanks for the help!

[Andrew_Kelly]

I won't lie, it's certainly made life difficult. I have explained to her my problems, and she's looking into a work around. The only problem here, is things take forever to get off the ground.

It's just funny, because this is only a couple hour job.