Access back end from 2 locations

[Ktx7ca]

Hello every one

I currently have an access 2003 application split into front and back end. The back end sits on a local computer and is shared with 9 front end computers.

we want to now access the back end from a separate location over the internet to 4 computers running the front end

I'm looking for advice and ideas on the best way to do this.

should I convert the back end to SQl? / upgrade to 2010? /use citrix or something else to just name a few

All and any Advice greatly aprecaited

 

[dhookom]

I would use citrix or some type of remote desktop. You are approaching the number of users that I would consider SQL Server (maybe just the Express version which is free).

Duane
Hook'D on Access
MS Access MVP

 

[JoeAtWork]

I agree with Duane, use Citrix. Backends over the internet will only cause you grief.

 

[lameid]

I agree accessing the backend over the Internet is a bad idea.

Depending on the number of concurrent users and what is being done remotely and how long you have to make your system work, SQL Express may be the cheapest option (there are a number of considerations for performance to make with SQL).

In any case you should consider your WAN throughput and VPN but hopefully that goes without saying.

If all the remote location needs is reports, you may consider SQL Server and SRS as a solution.

 

[Ktx7ca]

HI Everyone ,Just to clarify the remote location will be adding,updating and searching records on all computers located there.

It looks like a VPN Connection would be very slow to unusable from what I have seen.

Has anyone tried having a server at each location and having them sync to each other every few 3 mins?

 

[dhookom]

I'm not sure where you get your "very slow to unusable" information but if you intend to keep multiple copies of the database in sync, then I would recommend SQL Server.

Duane
Hook'D on Access
MS Access MVP

 

[Ktx7ca]

HI dhookom

The info on the slow VPN came from the net, if it's out of date or in correct please let me know. I just want to the best solution I can, I'm open to any ideas.

As for SQL I will be mirgrating the back end to SQL , there seams to be a few to choose from SQL, SQL Express, My Sql.

now I have to figure out if I should use some sort of WAN VPN or some sync server thing.

 

[lameid]

If you are moving SQL Server, you question is best asked int he appropriate SQL Server forum on how to replicate your two servers.... Or you might find the answer in BOL. What I would not do is mention Access at all in the post as most SQL Server people don't understand the difference between and Access database and an Access application.

 

[LeonAtRC]

We have from 10 to 30 computers running an Access 2003 ADP program with the back on SQL Server housed at a service provider. The computers all have their own copy of the access program.
On any given day there will be up to 100,000 hits on our web site which is driven, in real time, from our database. When the traffic gets too heavy we replicate to a second sql server.
The work stations access the db over the internet.
Some machines at the service provider run the Access program and they are accessed through RDP, GoToMyPC and LogMeIn.
The system works very well.