Connecting to a Server

[promedical]

Hello Everybody:

We just bought a five licenses of ACT Premium 2008, and this is the question I have.

The main database is already in our servers and we want to connect five users. Two in our office and three in a remote

location. How can I connect all my people to the main database? I don't have the WEB version but I understand is just matter to connect to the main database via VPN correct? Is this the same as synchronization?

The spec's make it looks pretty easy isn't it?

Thanks for your responses.

Gus

[GLComputing]

For the LAN users, try this ACT! Knowledge Base article - http://tinyurl.com/3oshjh

While you can do the same for the VPN users, much better to set up network sync as per this ACT! Knowledge Base article - http://tinyurl.com/4l5ywd

[promedical]

Hello Mike:

Thanks a lot for your answer. I am confuse and I want to have it clear on my mind before we start the process.

We understood when we bought ACT that you could log into the server and having or not privileges you could or couldn't do things in the "Main database" so whenever someone connects to the server what they see is the "Main" database resting in the server.

Now "Synchronizing" on my own understanding is you have your own database, I have mine and whenever you connect it synchronizes the changes made to a database, but which one? The one on the server? The one on your computer? If I erase a contact would it erase it from the main database when next synchronization? I guess I am confuse because what we want is to serve a database to the people that connect to and having the well known restrictions they can add and work with it as a team.

Do I have to get the web version? Sales person told me not to do it (From ACT) because it was pretty unsafe.

Waiting for your comments.

Best wishes,

Gus

[GLComputing]

The problem with VPN is that it's often quite slow... this is why sync is good. You can have it auto sync every hour so the users are up to date

[dlunceford]

Hello Gus,

I can assure you that ACT! for Web is indeed secure.  If theres worries about security, you can enable SSL on the website.  SSL creates a secure connection between the client and server.  This secure connection will encrypt the data being sent/received.

Another option available is having another company host ACT! for Web and your database.

http://www.act.com/partners/hosting/directory/

[GLComputing]

If security is a big concern with APFW, you can put the web server in a DNZ and put the database server behind a tighter firewall to protect from any SQL hacks. For info on this, see this ACT! Knowledge Base article - http://tinyurl.com/54ccj8

You can also add authentication to the IIS virtual folder, giving you an extra level of password security.