Link branch office using VPN with Max7?

Well, it's possible, but not practical.

Programs like Maximizer (that share data across the network and maintain an "always on" connection to the database) are designed to run on 10/100 meg networks.

Your remote site is most likely going to be connecting to the internet via cable or DSL and those typically top out at 1 - 6 megs, depending on availability. So unless you've got a super-fast connection, there's going to be a big speed difference between the office and the branch.

Now, I've never actually tried it myself, but I would imagine that the performance would be pretty slow for your branch office, just based on the numbers.

Thanks for your quick reply.

How fast would super-fast need to be? We're going to be using VoIP for that office, so we're probably looking at a T-1 or fractional T-1, which I assume would be faster than cable or DSL.

>I've never actually tried it myself, but I would imagine that the
>performance would be pretty slow

I tried it once using my DSL connection (1Mbps/128kbps) and Maximizer 6 client/server. It was way too slow to consider using on a regular basis.

>we're probably looking at a T-1 or fractional T-1, which I assume
>would be faster than cable or DSL.

Not that much faster. A full T1 is 1.5Mbps, which is about the same as the download speed of basic DSL service. (DSL upload speeds tend to be considerably lower than their download speeds.)

Other factors can affect network performance as well: other applications using bandwidth (such as your VoIP), the number of hops between the offices, network congestion at intermediate points on the Internet, VPN overhead....

I've seen several accounts of people using Terminal Servers (e.g. Citrix) in situations like yours. Once they get the kinks worked out they seem happy with it.

thanks - terminal services is something that came up. Is it that difficult to set up?

We use Terminal Server to connect 4 people across Canada plus 2 via LAN. It's a bit slow for some remote users - depends on the speed of their ISP as well - but it's workable. We love it from an admin standpoint - one piece of software to upgrade, etc. Was definitely picky to set up, and the Max support people aren't that helpful as it's an unsupported configuration, although they do try.

I'd check this forum for posts on the subject (there are several), and find yourself a reseller who has done Max on TS before - although you may have to make do with a TS resource who works well with your Max reseller. Another thing to keep in mind is integration or even day-to-day working with other software - Word, email, etc. How will you deploy those if you are running Max under TS? Do you use TS for all of it? etc. As an aside, we deploy all of it over TS.

One thought - if you are in Vancouver, BC, Canada I can point you to our IT support firm. They're great and they've done the Max/TS thing with us. There is also a local Maximizer reseller who has helped us out of several problems who have clients on TS and I'd be happy to recommend them as well. If you want the names email me.

- R.

Oh, oh - should clarify. We're not using Citrix. We're using Windows 2000 Advanced Server Terminal Services, with separate data server and terminal server machines.

- R.

Thanks Rooster. Couple of questions:

- what speed do you recommend for an individual user (someone working from home)? What speed to you recommend for a small office (per person)? We'll only have up to 4 people in the branch office accessing Max. from the main server via the Internet. We currently have 3 people accessing it via our LAN.

- We deploy Word, Outlook and other programs on the desktop, NOT from the server. The only exception will be our VoIP for the branch office, which also will go use the Internet pipe.

- Why did you decide to use Windows instead of the Citrix? I'm not sure what you mean by separate data server and terminal server machines.

- I'd love to get the name of the people you used. We use MS Small Business Server 2000, and I think we already have TS as part of that package.

thanks so much for your help!!

AS

I have ran Max8 from home using VPN.

You need to make sure you properly configure.
DNS and WINS on you domain controller and the VPN Client.

I have a Win2000 Server DC. My VPN connection is established from my ISP provider Broadwing Comunications using Nortell VPN Client.

I login to my VPN and I'm assigned an IP andress. I open up a DOS prompt and ping my Max server by name... If it replys I'm OK!

I click on Start----Run and type \\Maximizer.
I can see my installaion folder. Installed Maxworkstation.....no problem.

Open up the database..no problem.

The only problem I ran into is printing. Only can print to local LPT1 while on VPN Connection.


I have a pro home account through my ISP that gives me a 4M download speed with a 386k upload speed. works fine.


EMAN

- what speed do you recommend for an individual user (someone working from home)? What speed to you recommend for a small office (per person)? We'll only have up to 4 people in the branch office accessing Max. from the main server via the Internet. We currently have 3 people accessing it via our LAN.

A: As for any internet connection - as fast as they can get. I don't think dial-up or one of the "lite" packages would be viable at all. Full cable or ADSL minimum, and if they can get a faster service like Shaw's "High Speed Extreme" rated 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload then so much the better

- We deploy Word, Outlook and other programs on the desktop, NOT from the server. The only exception will be our VoIP for the branch office, which also will go use the Internet pipe.
A: Not sure what this means, as I am not that technical. However, as I believe I mentioned, we deploy everything via Terminal Services and so far it's been a wise choice.

- Why did you decide to use Windows instead of the Citrix? I'm not sure what you mean by separate data server and terminal server machines.
A: Windows Terminal Services was cheaper. As far as separate machines goes, we have one single processor machine where the data is stored, and another dual processor machine where all user sessions are run.

- I'd love to get the name of the people you used. We use MS Small Business Server 2000, and I think we already have TS as part of that package.
A: I believe my email is in my profile - send me your contact info and I'll pass along the info

- R.