by Steven H. Blackwell, Management Counciling Services
Remotely FileMaker
Simultaneous Remote Cross Platform Connections Made Easy
PLATFORM: Mac/Win
Simultaneous remote access to FileMaker databases by Macintosh users has always been easy to achieve with the Apple Remote Access Multi-Port Server or the Shiva LAN Rover. Simply use either the ARA Client or the ARA Personal Server, dial-in, start FileMaker on the remote machine, access the Hosts button, find the file and open it. A single Macintosh ARA MPS server could support up to 16 simultaneous remote users.
For Windows FileMaker users, however, problems abounded. The most frequently used "solution," if one could call it that, was to use something like PC Anywhere to take over a dedicated Windows machine on the network, and then to log onto the FileMaker files being hosted on the server. One user per one dedicated Windows computer at a time. And then there were all sorts of issues with conflicting communication stacks, etc.
Forget it. Now, using the built in features of Windows 95 Dial-up networking, multiple simultaneous Windows remote users can access the network and FileMaker files with the same ease as Macintosh users and at a fraction of the cost of dedicated computers. Macintosh remote users can use the same approach for even better effectiveness and cost savings.
Simultaneous Multiple Remote Access
This article describes the process I developed after about six months of work from January to August of 1997 trying to set up a system where two clients' multiple remote Windows users could access FileMaker databases simultaneously with the same ease of use as Macintosh users. I am going to spare you all the gory details, and there are many of them. Here is the approach I am using for several clients. I use this approach literally every day of the week to access client files, both for administration and for user testing.
The best way to do this is to have FileMaker files hosted by FileMaker Server, either MAC OS or NT, on a dedicated machine. It will work peer to peer, but I wouldn't do it.
Have users, either Mac or Windows, dial into the network. Mac users can use either ARA 3.0 client or Personal Server or a PPP client. Windows 95 users use the Windows Dial Up Networking. Users connect to the network by connecting to a PPP server device on the network.
When the connection completes, remote users are able to launch their local FileMaker application and see, via the Hosts button, the hosted files on the network server. This works with TCP/IP, IPX/SPX or AppleTalk protocols depending on the platform of the workstation and the platform of the server. For consistency and speed, I have the clients use TCP/IP. FileMaker Pro for Mac and for Windows 95/NT both support this protocol.
Speed varies depending on the connection speed, modems, line quality, database design, and related factors. At 64KBps single channel ISDN, this thing rocks along pretty well.
The key advantage, again, is that multiple simultaneous remote Mac and Windows users can connect with ease. There is no problem with "dedicated" computers or with communication stack conflicts.
There are at least two excellent and reasonably priced PPP servers. Sonic Systems, http://www.sonicsys.com, makes the QuickStream PRO, a three port device. KeySpan, http://www.keyspan.com/PPPServer/, manufacturer of the ARA MPS PCI card, makes a robust 4 port PPP Server card.
These cards vary somewhat in their configuration and set-up with the KeySpan card being the easier and less expensive option. Both cards support either analog or single or dual channel ISDN connections. Some key points of comparison:
Sonic:
* Can handle up to 3 separate dial-in connections from remote users to an Ethernet LAN using TCP/IP, IPX, or AppleTalk. AppleTalk requires SonicClient, part of the installation software.
* Management is through browser-based administration.
* Compatible with all analog and digital modems from major manufacturers such as Supra, US Robotics, Motorola, Global Village and Hayes.
* PAP and CHAP security protocols.
* A standalone device about the size of a cigar box costing approximately $900.
Keyspan:
* A 4 port server compatible with modems and ISDN Terminal Adapters. Supports dial-in clients via the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) at simultaneous port speeds of 115.2 KBps. Fully compatible with Mac OS, Windows, and UNIX PPP clients.
* The server can easily be expanded to support 6 or 8 lines by adding Keyspan serial cards.
* Uses Vicom Software to configure with familiar Mac OS "Users and Groups" facility.
* PAP and CHAP security protocols. It may also be upgraded to Vicom's Internet Gateway in order to add functions such as a proxy server or firewall.
* A serial card inserted into the PCI slot, costing approximately $530.
The key advantage, again, is that multiple simultaneous remote Mac and Windows users can connect with ease. FileMaker databases are now just as accessible to remote Windows users as they have always been to Macintosh users.
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