I'm not disputing your example of the framework that could be used to run AC in multiple offices, Bert. Just wondering why tceg's group would want to go with a basic, simple EMR like AC, if they had to upgrade SQL, servers, terminal services, etc.
There are a lot of misconceptions here. First, we aren't talking what St. Lawrence said (no offense). Remote access (LogMeIn, RDP, GTMPC, etc.) is far different than running two, three, maybe more offices off one database. People keep thinking that VPN is a solution when it's not. It's a security solution between two routers such as RDP, etc. They are talking and many have talked about actual connections to a database like you are in the same building. This requires servers and terminal services and IT to set up.
When AC used Access it had many limitations. SQL and Oracle are POWERFUL databases that scale from minimal to maximal. The reason Jon went with Express was it is free and can be packaged in an install package. Can you imagine 3500 users being told you now have to go out and spend $2,000 to $3,000 on full fledged SQL databases with licenses. When Microsoft had to fill the void between Access and SQL Server 2005, they came out with a SQL Server MSDE verion which, while powerful, was rather dumb downed. SQL Express replaced it, and it is much more like the full versions.
AC has nothing to do with the ability to work with large groups to some extent. What you aren't taking into consideration is that with a "large group" they would need to purchase the servers anyway.
Let's look at the following servers they may need:
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Premium Edition:
This will come with Exchange and with SQL Server 2008 Enterprise Edition
Microsoft Windows Server SBS 2008 Premium Edition:
Comes with Exchange Server plus SQL Server Standard Edition
IT ALSO COMES WITH A COPY of Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition which could be used exclusively for Terminal Services.
When one chooses Small Business Server, they are thinking about a group of 75 users. When they choose the non-SBS version, they are thinking Google, Verizon, etc. with unlimited users.
So, the addition of other hardware is due to the fact that a "small group" and eight is small wants to have several offices.
I do not know all of the licensing, some comes with it such as Exchange with SBS.
As an example, we are implementing VoIP which will be hosted. I have run 10 more Cat6 cables and purchased a $1,000 PoE Switch. But, we have met with the company four times now and will meet with them again three more times. This is all up front for free. The lesson is, while I could probably do it, I would never install VoIP by myself. And, if I wanted to set up an eight person office with 24 staff, eight of which will be on the database for seconds at anyone time, I would hire an IT person, I wouldn't decide from our userboard. Getting advice as to whether it can be done yes.
I use IT people for networking, SQL, Exchange, etc., two of which do all for free. All of my SQL decisions are done from a Micrisofot SQL Server MVP from Pakistan remotely. As an FYI, I have offered the services of this SQL person over and over on here and only two groups have come through at of eight original interests. Both groups had their issues resolved in days.
I find it would be interesting if Jon created a high tech IT group which could help groups like these. The more it took off, the more that could do it. I know that Indy does some of this and JamesNT could help. But, ultimately, it needs to be done in house. I don't think it will come to fruition because Jon wants AC to stay small, but then in the beginning, he didn't want PM or Obamacare.
