Database Suggestions/Requirements

I am considering options for building a database. I am fairly a newbie to this but am going to put a lot of effort into acheiving this, but initially I want to ensure I am going in the right direction and if I invest time it wont be wasted.

Intially the database will be text and numerical sports related data. Most of the information will be imported in xml from assosciation bodies. If I import the xml doc into Excel it runs from column A1 to DO and roughly 110 rows though there is an occassional blank line or two. These updates would mainly be weekly, but i also need to add just over a year of prior data.

I will need the ability to consistently import and update data(apphend) to existing records and fields, for this data integrity is very important, so there would not be one best for each identity but best home - best away - best against team A etc best year 1 year 2 etc.

I would need to create many unique queiries for the data as well.

What database would be best for this? If its at all possible is there a more modular database if I wished to add sections to this database later eg relate identities to a video section(this part is far from critical) just trying to look forward and plan effectively.

Sorry for such a long question, trying to relate where I am coming from and what needs I am trying to do so perhaps you can help better.

Is there a resaon to use an SQL database(MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite) over Access 2007 as a database or even Microsofts on SQL Express.

Thanks

Any modern database implementation will work for the requirements listed. Just pick the one with which you are most comfortable.

Honestly they're all pretty similar. It mostly comes down to cost and platform.

MySQL can be installed on almost any platform and its free... the management tools for this aren't quite as user friendly though you can find a few that make it a little easier. If you have php installed on your computer then you can use phpMyAdmin to manage the mysql database.

Microsoft's version can be installed on other machines but i don't recommend installing it on anything except windows. It is not free, or cheap for that matter but it works well, has lots of support, and keeps up with the modern technology. Not to mention that development in any of the .NET languages C#, VB, J# etc will be easier with the MSSQL server. Microsoft SQL Express works fine for development and some smaller programs but most products will require a full licensed copy which can cost thousands.