IWP setup

[S Molly T]

I need a quick (but thorough) lesson on setting up IWP. I have a small database that will act as a quick fix until I can finish developing and deploy a more robust php/sql solution that will reside on the companies web site hosted externally with 1and1.com.

Independant contractors (field reps) need to access a daily tracking database. Currently there are 10 reps all with their own computers, next week there could be more or less. I do not want to and can not provide FMP licenses to for all reps, so the best way to share the database is with IWP?

For local reps this is not a problem, they simply come into the office and plugin to the network. I need to know how to allow out of state reps access to the database (via IWP).

I have dedicated computer currently running FMP 6, but I just recently bought FMP 9 and will probably develope the solution with FMP 9. enough ramblings

What do I need to do to allow outside access to my database shared on my local network? Open up some port on my router? Port mappings or port forwarding? Also do I need to contact my ISP (embarq) and have them give me a static IP?

I have limited knowledge of networking but enough that if it was explained to me I can probably accomplish the task.