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

  • 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?

    Thursday, July 6, 2017 2:02 PM

All replies

  • 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...

    Thursday, July 6, 2017 2:43 PM
  • 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?

    Thursday, July 6, 2017 3:41 PM
  • Hi,

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


    • Proposed as answer by .theDBguy Thursday, July 6, 2017 4:06 PM
    • Unproposed as answer by .theDBguy Thursday, July 6, 2017 4:06 PM
    • Edited by .theDBguy Thursday, July 6, 2017 5:06 PM clicked button by accident while trying to scroll up
    Thursday, July 6, 2017 4:06 PM
  • 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.
    Thursday, July 6, 2017 4:57 PM
  • Hmm, I may be missing something, but this page does not mention anything about cost.
    Thursday, July 6, 2017 5:08 PM
  • 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).


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


    Thursday, July 6, 2017 5:18 PM
  • 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?
    Thursday, July 6, 2017 5:19 PM
  • 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.
    Friday, July 7, 2017 8:46 PM