Would like your thoughts on a customer's request

[chungmike]

A customer asked me about some things they would like implemented. I'm not that familiar with these things and wanted to hear some opinions.
Here's the first request:
I want to set up an online/server-based communication system that allows my analysts to communicate together better. Originally, this started as a dry erase board in our equipment room but they have requested doing something online/server-based that allows them to access it at anytime. So the device needs to function like a dry erase board in that it contains different lists such as tasks to be done, items to be purchased, equipment checked out, items needing repair and so on. It also needs to be very simple to maintain.
My first thought was Yahoo Calendar or something by Google. I'm not too familiar with how those work though. Any suggestions?
Second Request:
The second item is some sort of inventory control system that would allow an item to be scanned and checked out. It would need to be very simple and cost effective as we may only check out a couple of instruments each week so it won’t see much use. Everyone would need to have remote access to this.
This needs some kind of bar scanner. I've seen Quickbooks sold with a bar scanner, but this may not be the right solution.
I appreciate any suggestions you could offer.
Thanks.
Mike