Synching Access 2010 database for Remote Users

[Jenaccess]

Hi,

I've built an educational program database in Access 2010 and housed it on a shared network folder. Now I've been asked if I could possibly make it so our program's remote users could enter data in the database. They do not have access to the shared network folder where the database resides. A VPN for our remote users isn't an option, and I wouldn't have the first clue about building a web based database. I know replication is an option, but I don't know much about it, and from what I've read it's problematic. This is unchartered territory for me, and I'm looking for advice and suggestions on the best (and simplest) way this could be done, and what kind of learning curve I can expect. Thank you for your time and assistance!

 

[DJkarl]

Well ultimately they need to access something that has access to your network share. Web database is probably your best route, another option would be to build a seperate database for the end users, and have them (or the program) export data and email / ftp it to a place where a process on this side can pick it up and import it into your database, of course this means each remote client is an island unto themselves and won't have access to anyone elses data.

 

[Jenaccess]

Thank you so much for your response!

Just a couple of follow up questions:

I know building a web based database is in a different league of difficulty than building access applications. I'm concerned about how long it might take me to develop something workable, as I have no experience. I'm willing to learn, but honesly I'm not sure where to even start. Do you think it would take more than a year to learn enough to develop a secure web based application?

I've heard of ftp, and have used FileZilla to send and receive databases before. Do you think FileZilla would be a good idea in this instance? I am a bit concerned that the data would be scattered all over the place, so I'd want to have all the copies and sync them up on a regular basis. Do you think it would be overwhelming if I did it weekly? I still have no idea how I'd put everything together from all the separate pieces, but if I just found a way to get those pieces to me, I think I could work on figuring out that part of it.

Again, many thanks for your insights!

 

[Simon_MT]

To be really honest, Terminal Services would be a starter. There is no other database changes apart from separate front-end and one back-end. Does your boss think you can just magic up a web based solution?

Simon

 

[Jenaccess]

Hi Simon,

Thank you for responding as well. I'm happy to take all the advice I can get .

I think the whole web based database idea was a feasibility study; it would be a great solution if it were possible for me to build it in a reasonable length of time. Since I don't have a clue about what it would take to design such an entity, I figured I'd ask around and educate myself.

I'd never heard of terminal services until you mentioned it, but I looked into it after I read your post. My only concern is that I'm not in IT, and have little control over my work computer and none over any of my colleagues' computers. That's part of the reason I'm working so much in Access. It came with the computer and I don't have to worry about installing anything else. I can just push out my databases to our shared network folder, and my colleagues can use them. Only, that plan doesn't work when my users are offsite with no access to the shared folder. This is what's prompting me to look for alternatives.