Access in two offices

[Lev Seltzer]

My client just spent several thousand dollars to have an MS Access (2000)
database
developed. The database is now finished and working, but now they realize
that they need to have complete access from two different workplaces. Both
offices
currently have aDSL with a maximum upload rate of 96kbps. Download is
1500kbps in one office, but due to a poor telephone infrastructure, only
750kbps in the other office.

They tried VPN, but it was too slow.

Is there another solution possible?

I heard about splitting the database and placing the data half on a web
server and then connecting the local
copies of access to the remote data. Is this possible and/or a viable
solution?

Would converting the entire application to "data access pages" be easy (I
would think not). I know from experience that converting the front end to
ASP pages would also be very time consuming.

Thank you for any help you can offer.

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

I heard about splitting the database and placing the data half on a web
server and then connecting the local
copies of access to the remote data. Is this possible and/or a viable
solution?

No..it is not a solution. But for any access development, a split database
is the norm. Not only does a split database help with reliability in a
multi-user situation (you really have to do this in multi-user deployment),
it also helps the development process by leaps and bounds. (how else can you
update, add new reports etc and deploy the new updates to a working
system?).

The best solution is likely to use Windows Terminal Server. If you are
running windows 2000 server right now, then you can enable Terminal Services
in what is called remote admin use. This gives you two free remote users via
Terminal Services. If you need more users..then you have to start
paying..and use the license server. (but, the first 2 are free, and this is
a great way to test if TS will work for you at no cost. It is only a few
mouse clicks on the server side..but DOES require a re-boot).

Note that when you use TS..you still should, and need to run a split mdb,
and each user on the TS system STILL gets their own front end.

And, for performance issues...and why your VPN too slow...you can read my
thoughts...and solutions to the problem here:

http://www.attcanada.net/~kallal.msn/Wan/Wans.html

 

[news.microsoft.com]

I use a server in one office and external office access via Remote Desktop
(Terminal Services).

Nowadays the cost is not so high and I do think it is the best solution,
because data do not travel aroung, it always is on one computer only, and so
the speed is perfect.

Hope it helps.

Albert Lens
WIN SOLUTIONS sl
BCN - SPAIN