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evitaler
February 23rd, 2007, 12:20 AM
Hi, I'd like some advice please.

What we have:
3 separate offices, each with multiple computers, all running Windows XP.
Excel spreadsheets which have data entered every day
Word documents and pdf files which are created every day

What we need:
A remote server (since our computers will not be on 24/7) that can host these files (Securely) for everyone at each office to access.
When someone enters data into an excel spreadsheet at one office, we need that updated file to be available at another office.


What we've tried:
FolderShare by Microsoft. It's free and has worked OK. The problem is that for one person to receive the file updates, there must be at least one other computer online which will send the new file. Some of us often work at night and need to access an updated version of a file, but can not because that particular computer with the updated file is not online.



We need some sort of server available over the internet that keeps track of the files and the changes and makes the most current file version available to all users at each site.


Please give me some ideas on what options I have. I'm not super techy, but if pointed in the right direction I can get the job done.

Thanks!

leroys1000
February 23rd, 2007, 02:59 AM
Sounds like a standalone server with windows server and
microsoft office sharepoint might be what your looking for.
http://www.microsoft.com/sharepoint/default.mspx

evitaler
February 23rd, 2007, 07:02 PM
I'm looking for something less expensive and that I won't need to have a dedicated server at one of our offices... I can't guarantee 24/7 uptime and would rather not have to build a server, so I'd rather have the server hosted somewhere else...

Is it possible?

evitaler
February 23rd, 2007, 07:09 PM
Also, if it's possible to go with OpenOffice instead of Microsoft's suite, I can do that. I have experience with OpenOffice and THE PRICE IS RIGHT! I'd rather not feed the Microsoft Monster if at all possible.

renegade600
February 23rd, 2007, 07:14 PM
sounds like you just need a network harddrive. just plugged the external harddrive into your router and everyone can access it - No computer needed.

evitaler
February 23rd, 2007, 08:11 PM
How would that work if... let's say two people at two locations have the same file open and both add information.. would there be two file versions or would there be a lockout so they couldn't save the changes to the file?

evitaler
February 26th, 2007, 08:29 PM
Also,

If everyone maps to the network hard drive, and the cable modem has to be reset, wouldn't they need to map to a new IP address each time?

Thank you.