Help connecting to SQL Server 2005 on DASP from a desktop application

I would like to create a desktop application (in C# and that will reside on my local machine)that I can use tomanage my DASP SQL Server 2005 database. I have read that WinForm applications are routinely used to do this, and was hoping that someone could please tell me how toconnect a desktop applicationto my DASP SQL Server 2005 database so I can use it to manage the database as required?

To help explain my intention further, let'sassume thatI have 3 warehouses locatedin different parts of the country (warehouses A, B, and C), and thatall of them need to access and work with the DASP SQL Server 2005 database using a desktop application that would be installed at each of those locations. How wouldthese desktop applications connect to the DASP database?

Any help would be greatly appreciated - Thanks!

- George

 

Hi,
Take a look through these videos:
http://windowsclient.net/learn/videos.aspx

Several of them display methods for remote SQL servers.
Salute,
Mark

Note: You can getgood help with C# Windows forms in those forums too.
http://windowsclient.net/Forums/



Technical Evangelist for DiscountASP.NET
http://www.iis7test.com/webcasts/
http://weblogs.asp.net/markwisecarver/
http://blogs.windowsclient.net/wisecarver/default.aspx

(Microsoft IT Usability http://msitusability.multiply.com/)

 

I am sorry I don't really understand your advice. When you say administrative purposes, do you mean altering records,or something else? Also, I really don't understand the security risks of connecting remotely. Could you please explain? Thanks.

 

I see, and thanks. In my case, I don't foresee the need to transfer any sensitive information from my client (desktop) apps to my DASP database, I just wantto be able toupdate existing records (like client addresses, telephone numbers, etc.,) and such. Therefore, if the risk is limited to the data being transferred (publicly available addresses, telephone numbers, etc.,) then it may still be a good idea to set up a remote connection between myclient apps and a centralized data store like my DASP database. If on the other hand, a hacker could somehow drop tables, or alter records, then I would have to reconsider this whole scenario.

So I must ask, does the fact that data being transferred between client apps and the database not being highly encrypted mean that someone could access only that data, or could they access and alter the database items like my tables and stored procedures? Please let me know, and thanks again for your help.

- George

 

Hi,
A secure way to do this would be to have someone run a full version of SQL Server and create DTS packages to sync the records.
That way you can sync quickly then run your local apps with your local data. Quick, painless and secure.
Salute,
Mark


Technical Evangelist for DiscountASP.NET
http://www.iis7test.com/webcasts/
http://weblogs.asp.net/markwisecarver/
http://blogs.windowsclient.net/wisecarver/default.aspx

(Microsoft IT Usability http://msitusability.multiply.com/)

 

Thank you for all of your help, I do appreciated it.

Mark, I was excited about your idea of usingDTS packagesto do this, however,I've been reading up on how to use DTS packagesandit seems that Microsoft has deprecated this in favor of something called SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). Since I am not familiar with any of this, I am not sure how to proceed.

So perhaps it may help if I reword my original question.

Please consider this scenario: Let's say you have a DASP SQL Server 2005 database that is being used as the central data store for all of the records that you need to keep for your business. These records are created by customers (new and existing) who are usingyour company Web site.Let's also say you have 3 warehouses, warehouse A, warehouse B, and warehouseC. At each of thesewarehouse locations, there is computer with a desktop (Windows Forms) application thatyou would like touse to managethe DASP database. In this way, you have a single centralized database, with 3 client machines, one at each ofthe warehouse locations, that can connect,over the Internet, to the centralized DASP database and update records, insert new records etc..

This is essentially what I want to do. Therefore, multiple users (3 users in this case) must be able to access the DASP database simultaneously.Given this scenario, what would be the best way for the Windows Forms application to connect, over the Internet, to the centralized DASP database, keeping in mind that the connection must be secureso that no data can be stolen by hackers, and alsoto prevent anyhacker from going in and trashing the DASP database (dropping tables etc.).

Thanks in advance!

- George