Modem Connection
Branch Site
Home Base
Microsoft ACCESS
in Merge Mode
Modem File Transfer
Protocol
Phone
Modem
Modem
Line
HARD DISK
Ice Database
Branch
Upload Directories
Internet Connection
Home Base
Branch Site
INTERNET
UNIX FTP Server
Bridge/Router
Bridge/Router
TCP/IP
TCP/IP
Figure 19. Schematic of data transfer from branch site to home base.
number of users on the Internet can share the
ing data on line allows the branch site to work
database, and session time is reduced because the
directly with the data residing at the home base.
entire data set is not transferred. The disadvan-
It can be done over a modem using software such
tages of on-line access are that only one user can
as PC Anywhere, which allows the branch site to
use the modem link at a time, on-line communica-
control the home base PC, transferring only screen
tion cost is based on the session time over the
outputs and keyboard and mouse inputs instead
modem link, and processing data over a slow In-
of the entire data set. All the data processing is
ternet link (56 bps) for queries and reports can be
done at the home base.
time consuming.
The data can be accessed over the Internet
Figure 21 is a schematic of the second method
through the Network File System (NFS) mecha-
of working with data at the branch site: trans-
nism. This technique of remote access makes the
ferring the main database file from the home
database files at the home base appear as local
base to the branch site and then processing it
files to the branch site, which can be directly pro-
locally without being connected to the home base.
cessed by the Microsoft Access software at the
The advantages of a complete data transfer are
branch site. A schematic of each method is in-
that data are available locally for fast searches,
cluded in Figure 20. The advantages of on-line
data can be modified and processed locally for
access through the Internet are that direct access
custom reports, and there is only a one-time
to the latest data at the home base is possible, any
Branch Site
Home Base
Microsoft ACCESS in Retrieval Mode
PC Anywhere Host
Phone
Read Only
Modem
Modem
Line
HARD DISK
Remote Control.
Control Home Base Computer Remotely.
Ice Database
Read Only
Remote Access.
Share Main Database Files Remotely.
Branch Site
Home Base
(Microsoft ACCESS
INTERNET
UNIX NFS Server
in retrieval mode)
Bridge/Router
Bridge/Router
TCP/IP
TCP/IP
Figure 20. Schematic of on-line data retrieval at branch site.
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