Getting info from FMP database via DSL

[Peter1]

Hi There

My small business employs 2 sales people. They wan't to work from home, so I need to find a simple solution that a FMP database on their computer (at home) can "talk" to a FMP database on my computer at the office. By talk, I mean any sales they capture, for example, would need to be able to be sent to the office computer (via a DSL connection) once per day. Similarly, I would like to send them data such as new leads.

The only method I can think of is to export the required data, email it, and import it on the other side - but this is not ideal. I don't wish to use IWP - any ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[mr_vodka]

Well if they have copies of FileMaker Pro client on their computers at home, then they should be able to access it off your server. You will ahve to accommodate for opening up the proper ports as well as port forwarding if necessary. Is you computer in the office a dedicated server? If not, then I suggest you make it a dedicated server with static IP.

You could also setup a VPN.

[Peter1]

Hi John

Thanks for your reply. The computer in my office is a dedicated server. I am worried about my ability to setup a VPN - I really am not clued up on this stuff at all. The users (sales people) will have FMP on their computers - how will they access the FMP database off my server?

Thanks!

[James Steele]

You could set up a VPN using a device such as. SonicWall or Watchguard. These are easy enough to set up and work fairly well. Also with the Watchguard you can us Dynamic DNS services if you do not have a static IP.

Just food for thought.

[Peter1]

Hi James, thanks for your reply.

I have already started researching VPN's, and it doesn't seem as complex as I first thought. I will have a good look at your suggestions.

Thanks for putting me on the right path.