Using MS Access via a broadband link ??!!

[Paul Doree]

I have an access database that sits on a server in an office. The client has
asked if he can use the database from home, via a broadband link.

Does anyone know if:

a) It's even possible
b) If it is, how it may be done.

The server the database sits on runs MS small business server 2003, and the
database is split into a front and back end, the back end sits on the server
and holds the data tables, the front end sits on the clients pc.

 

[Alex White MCDBA MCSE]

Yes,

BUT, not advisable directly,

2 different solutions to your problem,

1. put the front end on the server and allow the user to 'Remote Desktop'
to the server across the internet.
2. if the user has XP SP2 at home and an XP SP2 PC at work, then create a
vpn tunnel from home to the office and allow the user to take over their
office based PC whilst at home, I have set this up for several clients and
they love it, it does require leaving the office pc on any of the time they
need to get in but the advantages are this. The user is at work is going to
go home so they leave their apps running and lock the pc, they get home, vpn
in, take over the desktop and there is the desktop just as it was when they
locked it, another bonus install the print driver for the home pc on the
office pc and your default printer is the home pc whilst in the remote
desktop session.

I would not recomend running access across the internet either raw or within
a vpn, access is far too chatty.

option 2 is a great solution, I have one client that it is saving him 700+
miles of driving each week.

must be XP SP2 on both pc's for it to work properly.

 

[John Mishefske]

I have an access database that sits on a server in an office. The client has
asked if he can use the database from home, via a broadband link.

Does anyone know if:

a) It's even possible
b) If it is, how it may be done.

The server the database sits on runs MS small business server 2003, and the
database is split into a front and back end, the back end sits on the server
and holds the data tables, the front end sits on the clients pc.

If you need multi-user access to this database then you should investigate MS's Terminal
Services or Citrix MetaFrame. Search the newsgroups for more info.