Query SQL Server from Remote

[bortiquai]

I have an application that many users use from all over. However, periodically, data must update a centralized server. What is the best way to do this? I am using a SQL Server Database. I know i could open up a port, and just have the application connect to the Public ip, etc etc... but is there a better way?

 

[giadich]

Here's a few suggestions:

1. Create a vpn, query data through vpn so you don't have to go through a public ip.

2. Use a local SQL Server. replicate the remote db.

3. Go through webservice to get to the data.

 

[ss7thirty]

In terms of speed, etc. Those options are in order from best to worst in my humble opinion. Naturally depending on a few different things. But to create a VPN would be the best way to accomplish this. Replicating the server locally and tranferring all the data requires a decent ammount of work. The third, can be pretty slow. I know web services are great blah blah blah, but some of them can be really slow and based on the fact that there will be multiple users from various locations updating what would seem like large ammounts of data, the web service would just be too slow. I would def suggest setting up a VPN.

 

[cjard]

I know i could open up a port, and just have the application connect to the Public ip, etc etc... but is there a better way?

That's the fastest way.. Define "better"