Best option for enabling Access database over the internet?

[Garindan]

Hi all, sorry I know this question has been asked/answered before but I couldn't find an answer for what I was looking for.

I work with a small company and have created and administered an Access database for them over the last few years. Now they wish to allow users access to it over the internet so they can work from home.

I am trying to read up and work out what would be the best solution for them? Until now the database was just split and on a local computer which 2 or 3 people accessed on laptops. Now those 2 or 3 will be working from home. Its only a small business and they don't have an office (worked at the home address of the owner) which is part of the reason for change.

There is no server, it was hosted before on the owners pc.

So... I've looked into sharepoint but it looks like its quite limiting and the database has quite a lot of vba, so it looks like sharepoint won't work?

I have read about and looked into terminal services which looks good, but as mentioned they don't have a server. Is it possible to hire remote servers for terminal services?

Any other idea's? Many thanks for any help!

 

[bparkinson]

You could upsize it to a hosted SQL Server. Worked for me. I have users in Europe and the US and it's working great. Downside is if you don't know SQL Server the learning curve is real.

 

[Garindan]

Yes I don't know SQL Server I could potentially learn it but the company is looking for something to put in place quickly.

I came across this interesting article. Does it mean I can use sharepoint and keep my existing frontend with all its VBA? I can't really get my head around how sharepoint works or how much it will cost!

http://dmoffat.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/access-2010-and-sharepoint-welcome-to-the-hybrid-access-application/

 

[Lightwave]

As far as I am aware the only thing that will involve little or no adjustment to you database is Terminal Services.

Eg

Logmein

or

GotomyPC

Everything else will involve some kind of new skill and adaption of your database.

Sharepoint has important limitations and its more of a big companies toy.

M

 

[bparkinson]

I agree with Lightwave. That's the easiest learning curve.

 

[Rx_]

Hybrid Approach worth knowing about: I know this is a few months old. Was searching for new solutions to Access 2010. I currently use Citrix, a great solution, easy, cost effective. But, the corporate wants to get rid of it.

Next week, will migrate my back-end up to SQL Server 2008. It is a learning curve for new people to be sure.

In my search, this is a Hybird approach worth noting. It requires that each workstation have Access installed. It gives the apparence of Access running as is. There is a download of the front-end to each client.
Not going to comment on good/bad/best for each person's situation - just that it is out there.

http://dmoffat.wordpress.com/2009/1...to-the-hybrid-access-application/#comment-827