We are using relational database to store experimental data. The database itself is served by the Interbase Server, open-source version. Front-end is implemented in Access which gets to the data via ODBC driver. Matlab scripts use a custom-designed ActiveX dll (written in VB) which acts as a bridge between ODBC and Matlab.
Database relationships are shown in a 1500x1300 gif file. Please note that some versions of IE scale big images to fit the window. If this happens click on the orange button that shows in the window after some delay.