remote access options

[splat10]

I have a client that is rather small and doesn't want the expense of setting up a VPN just for me. What other options are there for me to access their files?


-I will be (for the most part) the sole Pro/E user. I used to work for this company soI am familiar with their internall IT politics and inabilities. They want their data to stay on thier server and they don't want me to work with duplicate data. They are not running any PDM (intralink or otherwise). The files are not that big, most assemblies are no bigger than 10-20Mb worth of data.


These are the options i've presented.


1. Data backup to ext harddrive. Neither of us really wants any sort of dupicate data.


2. let me host the data and provide PDF's for their drawing pubishing (that's what they do now).


3. VPN . Cost is an issue here.


4. Other PC access tools like GotoMyPC.com. anybody ever used this. I'd have to see if i can have a local mapped drive to something on their server.





What else could I use. This isa small company with limited resources. Thanks in advance





Steve Archer


Archer Design


archerdesign*earthlink.net

 

[gavf2003]

VPN doesn't have to be expensive. The company I work for uses a software called "The Greenbow VPN Client" for remote users to connect to the company network. I think we spent around $250 for the software. I use the VPN primarily to access the Pro/E licenses which are on the server. I must warn that I have experienced very long retrieval times when pulling data from the server (approximately 20min. for 10MB). I'm told that the VPN speed depends on my internet connection (256K DSL), the server setup, and the server's internet connection (1.4MB/s DSL).


The Greenbow can be found at http://www.thegreenbow.com/.


Regards,


Gavin

 

[splinedesigns]

Steve,


Do you know what operating system is running on the server?


If they are running Windows Small Business Server 2003 it is a simple matter of doing remote access through a webpage and you can map shared drives.


There are ways of doing it with Windows 2000 servers also but it is more technical then I can deal with.


I agree with Gavin that VPN is not expensive you can get two Linksys Routers with VPN tunneling for less then $200, it maybe worth it to you to buy the hardware yourself.


I also agree with Gavin about speed, you will be limited to the slowest upload connection whether it is yours or the companies, This can be quite disruptive especially when you are on a deadline.


I believe the faster method is for you to use a FTP server and replicate the data each night, it can all be automated with scripts.


I hope this gives you some ideas, if you have the Windows SBS 2003 I can help you with that, it would only take a few minutes.


Good Luck,


Gary Trzcianka