Real Time Info Sharing

  • Thread starter Thread starter Alex
  • Start date Start date
A

Alex

Hello,

Is there a way to enter and view information from several
Windows 98 clients into a file (such as a Microsoft Word
file) which resides on a Windows 2000 Server and update
the file so people can view changes in real time?

Thanks,

Alex
 
What you're looking for is application-specific, not operating
system specific. Word files are opened for exclusive use:
Only one user can open them at any one time. Some database
files, e.g. MS Access files, can be accessed and updated
by several people at the same time. Talk to a database
developer to discuss you needs.
 
Alex, there's a whole segment of the market providing different ways for people to work together, but the real-time capabilities vary widely. Do a search on "collaboration software" or "collaboration suite" on google or Ziff-Davis, and you'll be overwhelmed by the choices. Products range from things like GoToMyPC (more of a remote control desktop package) to things like WebEx (interactive web / dial-in based seminars), depending upon your needs

Microsoft has some offerings, both current and future, that address parts of the collaboration issue. First thing would be to look at Remote Desktop service. Then, you might read up on Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server 2003 (http://www.microsoft.com/office/sharepoint/prodinfo/default.mspx). Or, I'm sure you could also find out more about what Bill Gates was speaking of when he talked on Office Real-Time Communications Server (formerly code-named Greenwich) earlier this year

One more option: ShoreConvergedConference by Shoreline Communications (http://www.goshoreline.com), a provider of voice-over-IP (VoIP) systems from California

Finally, custom database / application development to create your own best-of-breed solution is indeed an option, albeit a costly one for most companies. Of course, you would be creating jobs for out-of-work Americans in the process, if you went that route! Do a features comparison, needs analysis, and cost justification before you go down that path! You might be able to live with what's already on the market

Best of luck
BG3
 
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