Access Database accessed over the internet by multiple users, need info please

Question

I have a customer who needs to access a shared access database over the internet with up to 5 simultaneous connections.

The database is not that large.  I was going to use windows server to setup a VPN for the five computers, but someone said that is not a reliable option.

What is the best and most cost effective way to share a database over the internet?

Answer 1

Hi Kevin,

Why isn't VPN a reliable option? I think remote connection is the "best" (maybe not the most cost-effective) way to share an Access file simultaneously over the Internet (if you must). However, I would still recommend using a split configuration if you do.

Just my 2 cents...

Answer 2

I'm not sure if you know the answer, but how can I allow multiple VPN connections to the server without setting up some elaborate RAS server?

Answer 3

Hi,

Just a thought... Can you use Remote Desktop Connection (RDP)?

Answer 4

I don't think so, it's a small operation and I don't think a $600 server license + $1000 in CAL is really in their plan.

Answer 5

Hmm, I may be missing something, but this page does not mention anything about cost.

Answer 6

Take a look at a few options elaborated in http://www.devhut.net/2016/09/24/access-back-end-location-wan-online-server-onedrive-dropbox/

You can also get remote hosting, something like: http://accesshosting.com/ (I have no affliation, just relaying a possibility).

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Daniel Pineault, 2010-2016 Microsoft MVP
Professional Support: http://www.cardaconsultants.com
MS Access Tips and Code Samples: http://www.devhut.net

Answer 7

Why not get an Azure account. A cheap backend database 2gb is like 5 bucks a month. Its super simple to just use linked tables. Then just create a versioning of your front end so if the program opens and is not the correct version it won't run. Then coordinate a way to publish updates to those 5 machines. Such as onedrive or dropbox to retrieve updated FEs?

Answer 8

MS Access is not designed for access over the internet due to the way it uses locking files. I'd convert the Access database to SQL Express and proceed from there.