Connecting Flash to a database

Hello everyone:

I need information on how to connect flash to a database.

I would like to use MS Access as the database and have flash extract and append the information in the database.

Can flash communicate directly with the database, or is a bridging program required,(i.e. ASP or PHP as an example)?

What about the data component? Can it communicate with a database or is it relegated to interanl data only?

If ASP is required to accomplish the communication with the database, is there a training resource avaliable to help me get through the process?

Any information in this would greatly be appreciated.

Any specific info can be forwarded to me at vette96@bendcable.com

Thanks.