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Hybrid: Can this be done?

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    Hybrid: Can this be done?

    Hi
    I hope that this is not a stupid question.
    Instead of building a web application I want to build a Desktop that links with a database hosted by ZEBRAHOSTING.
    The idea being the user downloads the desktop with no data. He then interacts with all data on the host. He then stores stuff he downloads.
    Does this mean that the user has to have a Alpha Five server on his PC? My 'logic ' says yes.
    If so is there a 'lite' version & how much does it cost?
    If all this is do able.
    How would he download and install?
    Michael
    ( Why this tortuous process? The application provides self-help therapy and the user may get scared about dishing out personal information that is stored on the 'Net. See the first effort myRay)

    #2
    Re: Hybrid: Can this be done?

    Connecting to external databases is possible. I have tried with mySQL and it works. As a database I use the data form my website.

    You only need the Developer and/or Runtime.
    Have a look at teh menu Tools > External databases.

    Jacques

    Comment


      #3
      Re: Hybrid: Can this be done?

      Thanks
      But cam I give a Desktop application to multiple users?
      How do I 'package ' the product?
      Thanks
      Michael

      Comment


        #4
        Re: Hybrid: Can this be done?

        Hi Michael:

        If you get the unlimited runtime you can install that on as many systems as you like and then allow them to run your desktop application. You should be able to connect to an external database as long as you can use native SQL or any ODBC drivers. There are some limitations to watch out for with Active Link tables at present. Right now sets built on Active Link tables may not properly return all child records, especially in browses but also on Form views. The Reports option has recently been updated and this problem no longer occurs on it. I have been in touch with Selwyn and other developers at Alpha and they are aware of this issue and working diligently on a fix.
        Brad Weaver, President
        ComputerAid International
        Ottawa ON Canada
        Versailles KY USA
        www.compuaid.com

        Comment


          #5
          Re: Hybrid: Can this be done?

          Originally posted by beden View Post

          Instead of building a web application I want to build a Desktop that links with a database hosted by ZEBRAHOSTING.
          As far as I know the only way to do this is through terminal server where the user & host have a virtual tunnel connecting each other. This requires that the user have special software installed on their machine - or use a web service such as LogMeIn, which is kind of pricey.


          ( Why this tortuous process? The application provides self-help therapy and the user may get scared about dishing out personal information that is stored on the 'Net.
          If you secure your web site using SSL, your users should have nothing to fear. THey will see the yellow padlock icon on their browser in addition to whatever saftey notices you put on your web site. But I'm no psychologist, so what do i know!
          Peter
          AlphaBase Solutions, LLC

          [email protected]
          https://www.alphabasesolutions.com


          Comment


            #6
            Re: Hybrid: Can this be done?

            Ahhh.... I see what you're trying to do here. In order to do what you're talking about you probably should host your data on a dedicated or Virtual Private Server running either SQL Express or My SQL. Make sure that your hosting site allows for remote connections on either port 1433 for SQL Express or on port 3306 for MYSql. Convert your data tables from DBF to SQL and then setup your desktop client to access the remote data via Active Link tables. This will allow you to deploy Runtime versions of your desktop applications to unlimited users and have them all access the same back-end data. Keep in mind that any changes you make to the client application will then need to be re-distributed to every user so you may want to use an install program on your server and have your application check for updates and re-run your setups automatically to upgrade your clients.

            Good luck!
            Brad Weaver, President
            ComputerAid International
            Ottawa ON Canada
            Versailles KY USA
            www.compuaid.com

            Comment


              #7
              Re: Hybrid: Can this be done?

              Originally posted by beden View Post
              Hi
              I hope that this is not a stupid question.
              Instead of building a web application I want to build a Desktop that links with a database hosted by ZEBRAHOSTING.
              The idea being the user downloads the desktop with no data. He then interacts with all data on the host. He then stores stuff he downloads.
              Does this mean that the user has to have a Alpha Five server on his PC? My 'logic ' says yes.
              If so is there a 'lite' version & how much does it cost?
              If all this is do able.
              How would he download and install?
              Michael
              ( Why this tortuous process? The application provides self-help therapy and the user may get scared about dishing out personal information that is stored on the 'Net. See the first effort myRay)
              Michael,

              I am exploring similar issues as this. One of my biggest concerns with making a desktop to remote MySQL connection is security. If you are running a virtual private network then I would say proceed, but if not, then you may open your customers up to having data stored on MySQL database be compromised. From what I understand is that a hacker can sniff out the admin name and password.

              Regards,

              Michael Carroll

              Comment

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