C++ is way too complicated. Java is a better choice than C/C++/VB.

If you think they could learn OO, IBM's VA-ST might be a good option -- and it should work with WebSphere. There are probably tools available for it (and for Java) to make relational database mapping to classes easier.

VB is not a good option -- #1 reason is that it changes whenever MS wants it too, not when you need it to. And, of course, it's extremely limited in its scalability and portability.

The problem with a highly restrictive 4th GL language is that most of those are proprietary, so you still have the problem of vendor lock in and problems with finding qualified developers.

Maybe a high level language and CASE tools (to make database mapping easier and make it harder for the developers to screw up) would work better.

Good luck,

Tony