general hosting question / remote db access

I have a client who is running a MS access database, who would like to maintain it, whilst giving their members read only access to their data.

I think the best approach would be to port the data over into a mySQL database and connect the MS Access front end to the data via ODBC.

This would then give them the flexibility of keeping their data up to date with an interface they know and trust, whilst allowing me to write a php site to access the data

I have already achieved the odbc using localhost, but wondered as to the feasibilty of remote database access.

I suppose there are 2 options, self hosting or hosting provider.

I think the hosting provider is probably the best bet, but would need one who provides remote database access ?

1. Does this seem like a good diresction to take ?
2. If answer to 1 is yes, anyone have experience with hosting providers with this facility, (some do not offer remore database access)

Appreciate any feedback