Can the BCM Database tool be used over VPN?

[jasper90]

Hi, we have a remote server that autoconnects us to it when we are in the office via the wireless network, or we can vpn when working from home. We all use our personal laptops, so not on the same domain. Is there a way I can put the database tool on our server, and access it anytime?

I have tried the typical methods of installing and checked my firewall settings and made sure the tcp port is 5356. Should I be doing something special for the sql server installation? Whenever I try to access the database from my computer, it basically says my computer doesn't have access. When trying to share the database, it only allows me to share it with domain\username (which I don't think I directly log in to at work).

I have access to our remote server directly, but I don't know how to allow my computer access, or if I can somehow log into my domain\username.

Sorry for my non-techie/noob post, but any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Diane Poremsky]

It can go on the server as long as "remote" server is seen as part of your network and has a local ip address. BCM can't be accessed over the internet, it need to be on local network. It should work over VPN because your computer will be part of the network when you connect.

your account on the server machine needs to be the same as you use to log into your computer - if your username is jasper, you need an account on the SQL server called jasper and you need to use the same password as you use on the laptop - the username and password as passed as the credentials. The domain doesn't matter. Windows 8 with Microsoft accounts won't work - it needs to be a local account.

 

[jasper90]

Hi Diane,

Thank you for your insights! Can you explain or point me to a link on how to create an account on an sql server? I am using SQL 2008 express. I followed these instructions on the username creator. Am I supposed to be logging into the SQL Mgt Studio under my server (Windows authentication) or my computer Jasper (sql server authentication). When creating a login under security, I created the login using the sql server authentication, is that correct? Do I need to click or unclick anything besides what the link provided? Also, do I need to create a credential.

For my firewall, besides the database name, should I be allowing anything else (for my computer and the remote one)?

 

[jasper90]

Is this the user accounts setup you were referring to? http://www.slipstick.com/outlook-bcm/configuring-bcm-share-sql-server-database/

I tried this (I am on a domain controller) and it would only allow me to create a name with our domain attached to it. Is that right?

 

[Diane Poremsky]

do you have a non-domain controller server you can use? It might work, but its usually not recommended to install stuff on the DC. Did you try creating a user account and password that is the same as you use on your computer? I'm not sure if the domain will pass more information - i know it will work on a non-DC where you can create local user accounts because i did it (my computer doesn't log into the domain).

 

[jasper90]

I will work with our IT people to see if we can get it setup the way you suggested.

By chance, do you know if I need sql server on both the remote comp and my comp?

Thank you so much for your insights btw!

 

[Diane Poremsky]

Yes, you will need to have SQL installed on both the database host and onyour local computer. BCM will install it if its needed.