I am having a devilsh time trying to sort out database servers, connection strings and hosting providers.  This whole experience is doing my head in because I would much prefer to have better access to manage my own database.

Phorm is an advertising network that deploys cookies unto your computer in order to track your browsing habits.  All the recent furore over phorm has set me thinking.  Do I want my web surfing habits tracked and catalogued for the purposes of serving me advertising?  I think not?  Especially when you consider the surruptitios way in whcih BT deployed the service without even telling it's customers. 

There has been a lot of press coverage on these events this BBC article tries to take a balanced view.

I think this is a breach of consumer's security and privacy.  The Data protection laws might even have been broken, we must watch this space very carefully as its the slippery road to Big Brother advertising.