Overcoming Access Limitations on the WAN

[appelq]

I'm frustrated.
Mainly with the High Cost, and time it takes to get anything programmed
with other supposedly more "Robust" tools.

However, Access is not perfect either.

I have 18 sites on my WAN with relatively low bandwidth connections and
I would like to be able to create reports that they can run. (I'm I
don't have to you that Access is a Dog on the WAN)

Ideally, I would like to be able to create the front end screens and
reports in Access, have that use ODBC to connect to my Informix
database and use MySQL or SQL Server express for a back end database
other tables as needed, all in a way that my remote end users can use
the syetem so that they see the same or similar performance as I do
sitting here on the LAN.

I've considered a Web based front end, and in fact I've had to have a
consultant build me a small application using server side Java and
MySQL (hence my frustration with cost and time). Reports are written in
Crystal Reports 9 and using their free version of ePortfolio and a
report server here. This all works "OK" but not as nicely as I would
hope for.

I want it all. The Ease, flexability, and speed of development I get
with Access, AND an Low bandwidth (WEB Based) front end for remote end
users, to use for reports and data entry into new applications.

I know there is no magic bullet. What I'm hoping for is some ideas from
those who've been down the same road before on what they came up with,
and possibly some suggestions on other tools to compliment Access. I am
not opposed to replacing Access if that's what it will take. I'm not
religious about it.

Any suggestions?

 

[Albert D.Kallal]

AND an Low bandwidth (WEB Based) front end for remote end
users, to use for reports and data entry into new applications.

Well, often, there is a cost issue, but terminal services is a real winner
here.

I give some solutions for deploying on a WAN here:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal//Wan/Wans.html

I have 18 sites on my WAN with relatively low bandwidth connections and

I would like to be able to create reports that they can run.

Have you looked into sql server reporting services?....

 

[Douglas J Steele]

Have you considered using Terminal Server?

 

[appelq]

Thanks for the link to your web page on deploying on a WAN. I will read
through that.
I have not played with Terminal Services yet, except for accessing my
servers from my desktop. I will research that.

One thing I failed to mention is an as yet un-met need to allow some
customers to uinterract with us via the Web.

I have three thoughts:
1. I would like to have certain reports run on a set schedule and post
the report output to a Web Page. Example: twice daily, list all open
orders for those customers who have "subscribed" to get this info. the
customer would access a Web Page, log in, and then be able to view this
report (in pdf format, or possibly Excel)

2. I would also like to be able to allow some of my internal users log
on, and run certain reports while travelling, through a Web front end.
I guess I can solve this one when they use the VPN client to log into
the network, and then use terminal Services?

 

[Albert D.Kallal]

2. I would also like to be able to allow some of my internal users log

on, and run certain reports while travelling, through a Web front end.
I guess I can solve this one when they use the VPN client to log into
the network, and then use terminal Services?

Yes. You don't necessary have to use a web server with TS (but you can). IF
you setup a VPN, then the TS client can connect to the server and users can
run the ms-access application.