Hi Hawk,
which database you want to use ?
If your database does not have so many Entries, take a Access Database else use a SQL 2000 or My SQL Database.
Can you tell me more about your project ?
Why do you use a web service ?
I do not unterstand what do you mean with remote Database.
Do you mean ODBC ?
When you build a Webapplication, as a rule is your database on the Webserver too.