Re: Remote access

On Fri, May 8, 2009 at 9:37 AM, George Weaver <gweaver(at)shaw(dot)ca> wrote:

> Andrew Gould in reponse to George Weaver wrote:
>
> Hi Andrew,
>>>
>>
> Hi,
>>>>>
>>>>
> I have a client with a main office and a branch office about 90 miles
>>>>> away.
>>>>>
>>>>
> They have a server at the main office but it is not a web server.
>>>>>
>>>>
> What would be the best solution for them to access a PostgreSQL database
>>>>> located at the main office from the branch office?
>>>>>
>>>>
> I am not "network savvy", but if I get pointed in the right direction I
>>>>> should be able to fill in the blanks.
>>>>>
>>>>
> Thanks in advance!
>>>>>
>>>>
> The best solution will depend upon the type of activity the branch office
>>>>
>>> needs to perform with the database server.
>
> The application is an inventory management system. Their current solution
>>>
>> is an MS Access based system and they use Microsoft Terminal Services to
> enable the branch office to access the main office server. They are
> considering a move to an application that I provide which utilizes
> PostgreSQL.
>
> Also, what operating system(s) are they running at the branch office?
>>>>
>>>
> Everything is Windows based.
>>>
>>
> George
>>>
>>
> Hi George,
>>
>
> MS Access can access PostgreSQL servers via ODBC links. There is an SSL
>> Mode configuration option in the PostgreSQL ODBC driver for security.
>>
>
> Hi Andrew,
>
> I have clients with web-based servers which utilize my application
> connecting via the internet. I guess where my ignorance manifests itself is
> how to connect when the server is not a web server and doesn't have a fixed
> IP address. Is it necessary for them to set the server up with a fixed
> address, or is there some other alternative?
>
> Thanks for your time.
>
> George
>

You should either get a static IP address or use a service that maps your
changing IP address to a server name.

I use DynDNS.com and a perl application called ddclient. DynDNS manages my
domain name in their DNS. ddclient monitors my home internet IP address and
sends an update to DynDNS automatically whenever the IP address changes.
When I try to access my domain name, the domain name is mapped to my home IP
address and my home router forwards the allowed ports to the appropriate
computer.

DynDNS is not the only provider of this kind of service. ddclient is not
the only (free) application that performs this function. They have worked
for me; but there are many options available to you.

Andrew