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JDBC an it abstracts the database interface so well that, should you
change the database, there would be minimual change needed in the app.
This could be a small as two lines.

The other really cool thing Java can do for you is WebStart.  Here you
install the application on a central web server.  The client just points
his browser at the page and the application is downloaded, installed and
run.  On the second, third, ... visit the site is only referenced for 
updates, no updates no download.  You get all the advanages of a centerally
admined package plus all the advantages of a local execution.

As a C and C++ programmer of many years I now find it difficult to justify
programming apps in anything other than Java even for a Unix platform.  
YOu get platform indepancy for almost no cost.  Java is also the fastest
development environment I know as with Java you program to the VM.  That's
very diffent to programming in C/C++ and cygwin where you would be
programming to the Unix platfor.

While I'm sure C/C++ and cygwin will do the job I'm worried that a lot of
your development time will be taken up with platform independant issues.
Java given you that as part of the package.  Yes there are differences 
between the VMs, so testing thoughly on all platforms is more important 
than ever, but I still believe that Java is better from the limitted
spec you posted.

Steve