... of Mating and Security

Hi All, I have not one but two unrelated algorithms to solve: MATING 1. What is the best way to mate a 12,000 member database with 12,000 email letters that go out daily? It's ok if there is minimal commercial (paid) software involved, and we presently have our membership on a mySQL database but the elist presently run on Topica.com. We need to join the two - what's the BEST way? SECURITY 2. A user will click on a url which opens Page A. Before Page A opens on Website 1, i will retrieve embedded CONSTANTS, including a unique key, then take this key and go to Script X on Website 2 and make sure the unique key is valid against a mySQL customer database, and if all is well open Page A, and if not then open Page B on Website 2. My question for this list is how is this best accomplished and specifically what php functions should I be learning and looking at? I'm happy to write the code (ain't php such an easy language to write in) but I need a better understanding of the tool set to learn and use - specifically what functions should I be looking at ... Anyone? Kind Regards, Richard Creech richardc@dreamriver.com Phone: 250.744.3350 Pacific Time Canada Get a free link at http://www.dreamriver.com/phpYellow/ Download phpYellow Pages 2000 - Now shipping Version 1.061 with EasySQL! Add Dynamic Database Content to your Website http://dreamriver.com/software/