Learning New Job Functions

My boss has decided that I should be moved toward more  
development-oriented job functions.  For about ten years I have performed 

system administration work but lately I have been performing IT technician
 
duties.  My initial migration toward development work involves creating  
two applications that will have SQL databases containing data that will be
 
shared among seven geographically-separated sites.  I have been given the 

requirement that these databases be accessible through web-based submit  
and receive forms.

Does anyone have some suggestions about good resources that could help  
guide me in designing the structure of the databases?

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