Help!!!!!!

[cb_baha_10]

Hi,

I need advice on this business setup. I run a Windows & Blinds custom
fitting small business. It's about time we upgrade our systems, so we
are
looking for a new setup of hardware and a new way of doing things.

I have 10 store locations in Michigan and 3 store locations
out-of-state,
each with their own pc, totaling 13 workstation pc's.

Our main office in Plymouth, Michigan contains our database server.
This
office also contains 7 workstation pc's.

The function for all 20 computers are to input data into the database,
which
is located on the server in the main office.

The server forwards the orders to our manufacturers when a order takes
place.

At the moment, we are using dial-up connections and faxes. We would
like to
switch over to the internet. What would a professional recommend in
terms
of setup, hardware, and technology?

We plan to use Windows Server 2000 on the database server & Windows XP
Professional on all 20 workstation pc's. What special hardware is
required?
Maybe a 16 port 10/100 VPN router for the main office? A high-speed DSL
connection for the main server? Is remote-access, remote-node, or a
client-server the right path to take in terms of how the database
application should be setup?

Consider money NOT AN ISSUE.

Please advise. Hope to hear from you.

[emr]

Hi,

I need advice on this business setup. I run a Windows & Blinds custom
fitting small business. It's about time we upgrade our systems, so we
are
looking for a new setup of hardware and a new way of doing things.

I have 10 store locations in Michigan and 3 store locations
out-of-state,
each with their own pc, totaling 13 workstation pc's.

Our main office in Plymouth, Michigan contains our database server.
This
office also contains 7 workstation pc's.

The function for all 20 computers are to input data into the database,
which
is located on the server in the main office.

The server forwards the orders to our manufacturers when a order takes
place.

At the moment, we are using dial-up connections and faxes. We would
like to
switch over to the internet. What would a professional recommend in
terms
of setup, hardware, and technology?

We plan to use Windows Server 2000 on the database server & Windows XP
Professional on all 20 workstation pc's. What special hardware is
required?
Maybe a 16 port 10/100 VPN router for the main office? A high-speed DSL
connection for the main server? Is remote-access, remote-node, or a
client-server the right path to take in terms of how the database
application should be setup?

Consider money NOT AN ISSUE.

Please advise. Hope to hear from you.

I would suggest talking to an IT specialist in your area. There are a lot of variables in what you just posted.

Are you planning on setting this up yourself?

What type of db are we talking about?

And never tell an IT person money is not an issue unless you want to make your accountant very unhappy!

emr

[houseisland]

If you can afford the licensing costs for the terminal server option on Windows Server 2000 and and those associated with Citrix Metaframe, Citrix might work well for you.

Citrix/Terminal Server does well over low bandwidth since applications and data stay on the host server -- all that is transmitted is keyboard, mouse, and display information. It will be much faster than VPN (unless you have bandwith to burn).

You can also port data back and forth between the host and/or its network and the remote clients.

You can shadow users' sessions, sharing their desktops -- great for training new employees in remote locations.

Application support is centralized on the host server.

Security is pretty good if you have things firewalled properly.

Citrix has a pretty good support community.

Lots of pluses.

[CJK]

Citrix/Terminal Server is defintely a good way to go. If you are not experienced in designing/implementing this type of project than I strongly agree with EMR about contacting an IT outfit in your area to help. If it's not done right the first time, it can be a pain in the butt as well as a waste of time and money.