Networking with Remote Laptops

[guypb]

I have got 3 copies of MS Office Pro, each with BCM v2 (which I believ
can share the databse between several users).

I have 3 computers in total (2 new laptops with XP Pro, and a Hom
desktop which can be upgraded to be XP Pro also). All 3 machines wil
be have BCM v2 installed. The home pc will also be running the smal
business accounting software.

What I want to do is to be able to share the Business Contacts databas
with the 2 Laptop users.

the Home desktop will be the host, and the 2 laptops will be with sale
guys who are out on the road.

How on earth do I go about networking between the 3 computers (assumin
broadband is available), and how can I ensure all 3 computers have up t
date business contact information that can be shared remotely. I did no
want to have to make a copy of the host and issue it out seperatel
(which I believe you had to do before v2).

regards & be gentle

a newbi

 

[Tim P via OfficeKB.com]

guypb,

I have been monitoring this newsgroup myself for quite a while and I don't
believe that there is a way for the REMOTE USER access for BCM in the way
you have described. I would love to learn more if this is incorrect. You
are likely to get responses here discussing the setting up of a VPN, etc.
BCM can "co-exist" with Exchange but does NOT function like Exchange. Much
confusion seems to exists between the stated feature of BCM being able to
share data with others among a peer to peer or workgroup located in the same
physical location vs. being able to easily share data with remote users. The
bottom line is that BCM as it currently exists is not a good mobile solution
and I too would like to do exactly what you are describing among the 3 users
in your small business. When you think about it, your described scenario is
extremely common for many small business users but regrettably, BCM currently
is a one-size-fits-all functionality.

-THP

 

[BillR [MVP]]

I agree that this seems to be a common need. I'd like to see some method of
caching data.

 

[Ian]

I hope somebody infleuntial out there is listening...we all want to use the
software with lots of users....this can only be a good thing for microsoft?

ian