[AccessD] From a reader -- about migrating Access data to SQLServer on the Web

Joe,

I run Windows Server 2003 Standard on my servers at the home office.  I have a network of two 2003 
servers running SQL Server and virtual machines.  One other server runs Windows Home Server which is 
a shell on top of 2003 (small business edition I think).  All the other computers on the network run 
XP - laptops for my wife, my son, a "workstation" for my digital piano and so forth.

Very occasionally I have the need to "remote in" from the road.  I usually do so via Hamachi to 
establish a VPN and then use either remote desktop or VNC.

My reasons to remote in have to do with running administrative tasks, run SQL Server jobs etc.  Is 
there any reason to setup / learn and move to Terminal Server over a simple remote desktop in my 
situation?  Is terminal server incorporated in 2003 Standard Edition?

John W. Colby
www.ColbyConsulting.com


Joe O'Connell wrote:
> Susan,
> 
>  
> 
> Access and Citrix work great together.  I have an Access 2000
> application that has been running for 10 years on a Server 2000/Citrix
> server.  It runs with no problems and has supported as many as 40
> simultaneous users.
> 
>  
> 
> Citrix was originally developed to add capabilities to Windows NT.
> Windows Server 2000 was a huge step forward, but still needed Citrix for
> full support of many remote devices.  Windows Server 2003 incorporated
> most of the functionality of Citrix.  The main reason to continue using
> Citrix was the ability to publish an application for anonymous users.
> Windows Server 2008 now includes the ability to publish an application,
> so I am not sure if there is still a need to use Citrix.
> 
>  
> 
> I also have 3 servers running Server 2003 that support many Access 2003
> applications.  None of these boxes use Citrix.
> 
>  
> 
> To answer your questions
> 
> 1.    If there are performance issues, data can be migrated to SQL
> server, but it is not necessary to support an Access application in a
> Terminal Server mode.  A normal Access FE/BE configuration works fine.
> I usually copy a fresh copy of the front end to a personal folder for
> each user when they logon.
> 
> 2.    Only a Citrix client needs to be installed on the remote user's
> PC.  The entire application runs on the server.
> 
> 3.    If the server is running Terminal Server 2003, and there is a
> requirement to support anonymous users, then Citrix is required.  If
> support of anonymous users is not required, then there may be no need
> for Citrix.  If the server is running Terminal Server 2008, then there
> should be no need for Citrix.  Without Citrix all each remote user needs
> to do is configure a Remote Desktop Connection.
> 
>  
> 
> Terminal server is a very efficient and easy way to provide remote
> access to an Access application.  An Access FE puts a very light load on
> the server, so a "beefy" box is not required.  Tell the reader to go for
> it.
> 
>  
> 
> Joe O'Connell