Decision PHP

I am the Webmaster/Co-ordinator for (DFAIT) Passport Office. I am also a past user of ColdFusion and require some validation for your product. Recently, one of our working groups had designed an HTML section for our intranet. With the use of PHP3 they have created server side forms to connect to a Fox Pro database. The working environment here is Windows NT and the office employees are presently using Corel Office suite. I use FrontPage 2000 as the web management tool. I am requesting a solid argument as to why we should utilize PHP rather than ColdFusion. The Information Technology section of the Passport Office, is presently standardizing software applications for employee use and I must present a reasonable case to forge ahead with ColdFusion. In your description I would also like you to discuss any adverse issues there may be with this product and other software presently in use. Security, PKI, database connectivity, cross-platform and developer enhncements will be key issues. I would be happy to make your product part of future development should your argument hold up. PLEASE REDIRECT THIS EMAIL TO THE APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENT IF NECESSARY. Carmen McDonell The Passport Office (JWM) Web Specialist (819) 994-2717 cmcdonel@ppt.gc.ca