How can data collected in a form be automatically entered in a database?

I need something more permanent and structured than an email to record this data in

I think you mean that you want a way to save a backup of the data that is submitted to you. Is that what you meant or have I confused this? If not then please elaborate more.

Otherwise, if that is accurate then there are a few ways to do this so I would advise referring to our guides section here http://www.jotform.com/help/keyword_search.php?rpp=0&search=reports for suggestions about various data reporting methods with Excel Download, Google Spreadsheets as common examples. There is also the possibility to send into your own mysql database.