Access over a WAN

[Andy Levy]

Hi - im not sure this is the right group for this post (if not - please
advise).

I have an access database with a frontend (mde) and Data-Backend (mdb). The
idea is that the backend will sit on a computer in one office - whilst the
frontends will be used on different computers in different offices
worldwide - accessing the backend. What is the best way to do this? Are
there any guides on the internet

 

[Arvin Meyer]

There are only 2 effective ways to do this uising an MDB.:

1. Build an asp or cold-fusion browser-based front-end.
2. Use Terminal Services (or Citrix)

The second method requires a beefy server with everyone running from their
own folder/profile.
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads:
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access

 

[Douglas J. Steele]

Depending on how critical it is that every user have up-to-the-minute access
to all updates, it may also be feasible to use replication.

 

[Andy Levy]

There are only 3 different offices (one computer each) connecting to the
MDB data backend. They are all in separate countries. It is for a charity
project so funds are limited. All computers need to use the access
frontend.

My idea was to set up VPN on the Windows ME computer hosting the MDB
backend, and then set up a VPN connection on the other three computers. Is
this likely to work ? We are using 512kb broadband at each location.

Thanks

AL

 

[Douglas J. Steele]

VPN usually isn't robust enough for Access.

You might want to read what Albert Kallal has to say about using Access over
the WAN at http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn/Wan/Wans.html

 

[Arvin Meyer]

You may want to look into replication, as suggested by Doug. If you do need
an always connected machine, you can always use Terminal services with a VPN
connection for security. If there won't be more than 3 machines, you can use
the free built in terminal services (called Remote connection in Win XP)
have a look here on an XP machine:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\mstsc.exe
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads:
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access