Can I use cmsb to manage other existing mysyl tables

Markr,

In a short answer - yes - CMSB can control other non-cmsb data. I have "married" CMSB a few times with some other simple programs.

The longer answer is how to do it. It can get complicated depending on how the non-cmsb program inputs data. Your tables in CMSB probably have the prefix cms_ and your other data would most likely need to as well unless you can develop a workaround.

You'll still have to create all of the fields in CMSB that are in your other program and basically tell the other program to connect to that MySQL table. Using something like phpMyAdmin will make it a lot easier, as well.

There is no easy answer that will fit all situations, but it can be done.

Kenny

You may want to have a look at this product. I have been using it mainly to quickly create database management code. I did use it for just what you described. It will import the database layout from existing CMS tables. It then generates the code for display, update, and export of the data. I have not fully researched it's full potential, but was impressed with what it did for me. The latest release has the data export feature which is what I think will be very valuable to me. I cannot give may clients access to phpAdmin so this would be great for that.
http://www.bigprof.com/appgini/index.php