There are a number of ways that Tracker can be accessed from a remote computer, but each method requires different technologies and affect your Tracker licensing in different ways:
pcAnwhere
This software is used to support all
Tracker users. It allows two computers to communicate with each other through
regular telephone lines or other connection. The remote computer dials out and
connects to the host computer (you). When this connection is established, the
remote user can take control of the host computer and even transfer files. This
will lock out the host office user.
This installation requires a modem that is connected to a phone line.
Tracker can be accessed remotely using pcAnywhere or a similar system.
We do allow this and there is no need to purchase another workstation
because it is actually running on the local computer with the screen output
going to the remote site.
VPN
A
VPN is a Virtual Private Network. When
using a VPN, then the remote computer is just another computer on the network
and WILL require an additional workstation if they try to do this while other
people are using Tracker in the office. However,
we do not recommend this configuration because it would be VERY slow and could
possibly cause problems, including database corruption, if the connection goes
down while the remote computer is being accessed.
Terminal
Server/Remote Desktop
Terminal Server
is a new Technology available that
allows the remote terminal to run Tracker
on a server, with the input and output being routed to a Terminal “Client.” The Server
computer needs to be running Windows
2000 Server or Windows Server 2003 and has to have enough “horsepower” to be
able to handle multiple applications. When using Terminal Server, then another
copy of Tracker is running on the network and will require a Workstation license
if also using Tracker in the office simultaneously. Windows XP
Professional also includes the ability to take control of the computer using
Remote Desktop but this renders the workstation unusable until the remote user
is finished.
Combinations
There are combinations of the above configurations that can also be used.
For example, you can run Terminal Server or pcAnywhere over a VPN.
In this case, the particular configuration would need to be examined to
ensure that the configuration would work and what the licensing requirements
would be.
Each of these solutions will require setup and support from a knowledgeable hardware provider.