For a lab or end-user? We are an independent lab and have made our own MS Access database, which is acts as our LIMS and report generator. Our lab instruments do direct data transfer, we have matrixes for over 600 equipment types and oil types, the DB autocodes the data, but not auto-interpretation (yet).
Hi there, we use Coast from Spectro Inc. Its a good system, its stable (uses Oracle), updates are included in the maintenance plan. When they set you up they incorporate all your necessary equipment RS232/USB etc hookups. An all round good product with good support (via the internet). I can't complain.
It also has a Web component, which allows users to come onto the system with user/password and access their results online.
It is a little expensive, but you pay for what you get.
Personally since I have a lot of programming IT/experience I am designing our own database system simply because its more flexible than the Coast system (in terms of report generation, backups etc.).
I am not too sure about the above comment on making your own database with MS access. Access is really not advisable for huge databases (i.e. >5000 samples per month). Rather use the free Mysql with PHP or ASP web pages to generate content (any decent web programmer can knock up the system for you).
As far as I know Dingo is simply a web based report generator, ie. you send them your results in excel format and they display it for you (correct me if I'm wrong).
We have our own developed LIMS system (now in version 4) with MS SQL in bottom. The version 3 had MSACCESS: Not recommended.
We use a VisualBasic programmed software in the lab, while our clients have access to a .NET web interface. Our long term goal is to have a completely .NEt solution.
As long as you know what you want, it is not too costly to use external help to develop systems. Anyhow the cost increases if you need to add/change features all the time...