Networking (Connecting Multiple Computers to a Shared Database)

Contents

• Single Site
• Multiple Sites
• Remote Desktop Services
• Server Configuration
• Client Configuration

Single Site

For a small single site with more than one computer on the same local area network, the "master" workstation can simply share the database using a mapped drive. Larger offices may require a server.

Performance on a single office LAN running at 100Mbs generally works well for up to 10 machines (depending on the actual network speed). For larger offices a gigabit LAN may be required.

Multiple Sites

For multiple sites using a VPN, mapping drives directly will only work effectively if the internet connections are fast enough. In most cases Remote Desktop Services is far more effective.

Remote Desktop Services

When connection speeds are too slow to use a mapped drive, Remote Desktop Services provides much faster access across slower internet connections.

Windows Server 2008 R2 is recommended. Qualifying charities can obtain Windows Server 2008 and Remote Desktop Services licences from Charity Technology Exchange.

To obtain Windows Server 2008, purcahse "Windows Server 2012 Standard Edition (Includes Software Assurance)". "Quality Assurance" means that the licence can be used for Windows Server 2008.

Remember that you will need to buy User and Remote Desktop Services CALs. These example links are based on per user licencing.

• LVS-47872: Windows Server 2012 Standard Edition (Includes Software Assurance)
• LS-40627: Windows Server User CAL (Includes Software Assurance)
• LS-40746: Windows Remote Desktop Services User CAL (Includes Software Assurance)

Server Configuration

Share data folder on the server. To determine the path of the data folder:

• Open Stock Tracker on the server.
• Press Client Options.
• Highlight the database in the Connections list and press View Path.

Users must have write permissions on the folder and it's contents (ensure that the share and file permissions both allow this).

Client Configuration

Map a drive to the server's shared folder. Then point Stock Tracker to the shared drive letter.

• Map a drive to the server.
• Open Stock Tracker.
• Press Client Options.
• Highlight the database in the Connections list and press Change Path.
• Set the path to the mapped drive.

Use the Test Connection button to make sure the path works.

Contents

Top