Special Access Security Application Question

[Guest]

Thanks in advance.

I am packaging ESRI arcreader maps with mdb files, which we put on a disc
and send to our clients. The arcreader hits the personal geodatabase and
shows the features on a landmap. We can set the arcreader map to time out on
a specified date.

Here is our problem. After the map time out, the dbase can be opened even
though the map will not function. Leaves our proprietary dbase open for
anyone to see.

If we use Access security features to log into the dbase, then the arcreader
cannot hit the dbase.

Our needs are to first protect the dbase from being used by others, yet
allow the arcreader program to hit the dbase, and second to time out or
render the dbase useless automatically when the arcreader map times out.

Can anyone help with this.

Regards,
Georger

 

[John Gray]

If I understand what you're saying, you have propietary business information
stored in an open database format (Access), and you can't use security,
because of program limitations. I guess encryption is out, too?

The alternative I see is to create a "middleman" application that acts as
intermediary between the map program and the database. The middleman
would have 2 faces... one compatible with arcreader communication, and the
other capable of talking to a secure/encrypted database. (disclaimer: I know
nothing about arcreader, so don't know if this is possible)

render the dbase useless automatically

Using the middleman scheme, have the middleman application empty out
the database at the expiry date. (Though this might not matter if the db is
secure/encrypted.)


For additional protection, files on the supplied disk could be packaged in a
custom installer, so they're not easily accessible. And, give the installer an
expiry date, too.


hth,
John




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Thanks in advance.
[...]

Our needs are to first protect the dbase from being used by others, yet
allow the arcreader program to hit the dbase, and second to time out or
render the dbase useless automatically when the arcreader map times out.

Can anyone help with this.

Regards,
Georger