Cloud server - multi RDCs setup

bigguns

bigguns

bigguns

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Joined
11 Jun 2007
Posts
57
Hi there
I'm looking for some advice please on how to go about this setup below.
Cloud hosted Win2008 server
4x "remote" workers using PC or mac

Each user needs to connect the to server using a VPN to join its LAN network in order to use a database software. But for the VPN to to work it must use something like RSAtoken before allowing access.

Is there any solution or another way of doing this?
 
Do you have anymore details at all?

Do users have to connect using a VPN?
Do users need to connect from one location or multiple?

Duo security is a free for up to 10 users two factor authentication but without know more details it's hard to advise.
 
Hi there,
What information would you like to know?

Nothing has been setup yet, so I'm 100% flexible in terms of setup, the only things it must have/do:
1) Be secure
2) Allow users to login using PC/mac from any location
3) Must all link back to the database server as the remote users access data on there at the same time.
 
The reason for VPN - is because I need a VPN to use the software.

The server is hosted by VMhosts.co.uk - but I don't really see how that helps?
 
bigguns said:
The reason for VPN - is because I need a VPN to use the software.

The server is hosted by VMhosts.co.uk - but I don't really see how that helps?
Click to expand...


Well i think most of people are trying to work out what your situation is. You say you need to setup a VPN to connect to a database on a server, but don't tell us where or what this server is.

You say "Nothing has been setup". Does this mean you have no existing infrastructure? I assume not as you have just said the DB server already exists.
 
Why wouldn't you run a Windows Server instance on Azure and use RemoteApp / RDP to access it if it has to be a desktop application? Also you need to provide more specifics. Saying "it has to use a VPN" without giving any details reads like we're trying to solve a homework assignment for you than actually offer up a solution.
 
Hi ok now I understand where you are coming from. But from my end, this will be a brand-new setup - nothing has been agreed so I'm 100% flexible to the right solution.

So basically let me give you details on the software: Qube Software

Code: 
Compatible Operating Environments
Server
Microsoft NT Server 4.x, 2000, SBS, 2003*, 2008/2008 R2*, 2012* -NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, TCP/IP
Citrix WinFrame/MetaFrame/Presentation Server etc - NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, ICA
Microsoft Terminal Server/Services - NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, RDP, ICA
Novell NetWare 3.x, 4.x, 5.x, 6**,6.5 - IPX/SPX, TCP/IP
 
*Shadow copying must be disabled on the drive(s) on which Qube is located and the caching disabled on any Qube network shares.  In addition, offline folders on the workstations should also be disabled.
 
**NetWare 6 requires a minimum of Server Service Release 2. The customer PC's should be installed with either the Microsoft client, Novell client version 4.83 for NT/2000/XP (with client service pack 1) or the Novell client version 3.32 for 95/98/ME (with client service pack 1).
 
Client Operating Environments
Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.x, 4.x
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP1, SP2
Microsoft Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
   
Recommended minimum Service Pack levels:
Windows Server 2008 – Sp2
Windows Server 2003 – Sp2
Small Business Server 2003 – Sp2
Small Business Server 2000 – Sp1a
Windows XP Professional – Sp3
Windows Vista – Sp2
 
Personal Computer Equipment Specifications
The personal computers operating the Qube Windows client interface Software should meet the following minimum specification:
Dual core >2GHz Processor, 1Gb of system memory (Windows XP Professional), 2Gb of system memory (Windows Vista/7), a hard disk of a suitable capacity for hosting the operating system, PCI Network Interface Adaptor, a graphics card capable of supporting 1024x768 resolution at 65k colour depth, a monitor/display suitable for the required resolution.

As far as my understanding goes on the software, it's maintained on a central server and assuming users of the software in the same LAN, each client has access to the database for their needs.

Now for my setup, I need to give each user 'remote access' so they can work from where they are (from any location, office, hotel, etc).

It doesn't matter if they use a remote desktop, vpn, etc - just needs to be a crossplatform system that works with PC/mac.

My idea of using a VPN connection would be simply to allow any client to connect to a network and use the software either natively or in parallels. But I would like to see if there is another method or a more suitable method.
 
It depends on how the software deals with variable network conditions. If you're on slow hotel Wi-Fi or on 3G and the connection drops, does it balls up the database? Remote Desktop is going to be a preferable option since when the connection fails the session stays open ready to be reconnected to, all the communication between the client and the DB is on the same server.
 
Hi
I believe the software can deal with connection being closed unexpected. As its generally queries items and then when something has been updated by the user it will upload the change.

If I was going down the route of RD - what would you recommend software-wise to use?

Also what about 2-stage authorisation?
 
Remote Desktop is built into Windows Server, clients are built into Windows and it's a free download for a Mac.

Do you mean two factor authentication?
 
Software for RDC or VD I can see I could use:
Windows built in
2XApplication server
Citrix VDI-in-box

2factor auth:
Duo security
RSA
 
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