[hmmmk]

I'm trying to link 3 remote computers to one computer to be able to simultaneously use a specific program (on that one computer). I don't want to "lock out" the one computer while this program is being accessed by one of the other two computers.
Is there any application that will make this union a reality?

 

[flyeater]

You would need the program installed on each computer. Then depending upon the program would determine what you could do.

 

[hmmmk]

All three computers need to access one database more specifically. Not a problem to install the one program on all three computers (have the license). Just how to all access the database & use/change information at the same time.
Thanks!

 

[Anne Troy]

And the database is...? what kind?

 

[hmmmk]

The program is "debtnet" & the database is somewhat of an extensive "address book" kind of database.

 

[Anne Troy]

Then that would depend on DebtNet.
You'll need to know if their databases are shareable, which would depend heavily on their software and not whether we could wing it or not.

I can't find a place that makes something called "debtnet". Have you checked their web on this capability?

 

[Anne Troy]

Spoke to soon. This looks like it: http://www.debtnet5.com/html/features.htm

They are talking about *agency* use and *collector productivity tracking*, so I can't help but think that their databases would be shareable.

If it's shareable, it should require only that you install the software, and then somehow tell each PC the path to the database you'll use.

 

[hmmmk]

Yep, that's it. It's supposed to be shareable (at least within the same building/network). How do I give the path to the other computers? Netmeeting, pcanywhere & remote desktop all lock out the main computer when trying to access from the others.

 

[Anne Troy]

Nooooo. Basically, you need to have the computers networked with a router at very least, I would say.

So...you don't have a server? Or what?
I don't know how to give the path, but it should be safe to assume that...

--the DB resides on a server (or someone's PC)
--they all have the software installed
--the other 2 open debtnet and they're either asked or must File-Open or something like that, and browse to the server/PC on which the DB resides

Now, it might be easiest to just create a shortcut to that DB on the 2 other PCs. Then, hopefully, they can just double-click it and the application (debtnet) opens the DB.

 

[Anne Troy]

Oh, duh.
You said "three remote computers".

Sorry.

Are they in the same building/room?

 

[hmmmk]

Nope no server. The "office" crosses several states. The debtnet company will support program trouble, but not networking trouble.

 

[Anne Troy]

Then I don't see how you could possibly do it.
You need a LAN/WAN (whatever--I'm no hardware or network geek).

My thinking then, is this:

Do they have an export from the file menu? Perhaps users 2 and 3 could export to a file, email it (or upload it to a web), and user 1 imports into their DB. The problem comes when 2 people made transactions on the same record in one day. Perhaps you have some way you could divvy up the work. Do they have categories? Or salespeople?

Any decent DB will let you export (and later import) records that match specific criteria.

 

[hmmmk]

I was trying to get around the transferring of files. I've already accessed the db with my own computer (downstairs from the home office computer). The problem was the whole synch-ing the information. We were trying to stay away from that.

I really thank you for your help though, especially considering the hour.

 

[Anne Troy]

Well. It's late for some, yes. I'm a night owl.
Wish I could help more, but I really think it might be best for one person to hold the *main* database, and all three PCs hold their own work as well.

If you have cheap web space and FTP programs, you could all fairly easily get into the swing of it. If you don't have cheap web space, try www.lunarpages.com. They also have a file upload that doesn't require an FTP program.

 

[hmmmk]

Try convincing the boss that it's the best alternative! Guess I'll need another plan....

Must go, but if you come up with any more ideas, I'd love to read them!

Thanks again!