Using CMD on a Network > Remote Database Server Software

The Remote Database Server is an optional software-based server that provides two major advantages to your CMD program:

•It allows you to connect other computers on your local network so that they can share CMD's data on each computer for which you wish to give access. It is simple to hook into the data on the host computer on your local network, and CMD will operate at full speed - you won't even notice that the data's on another computer!

The remote database server software also adds additional layers of security and stability to a network setup by leaving more of the actual data work on the server (or on the peer hosting the data in the case of a peer-to-peer network) and sending requests and results across network wires rather than actual data (which stays on the server itself).

This adds a layer of protection in case of network problems, power outages, etc. It also makes the CMD run faster on a network since data access and results are controlled on the server (or host computer) instead of the individual client and because more of the work with the data is done in one place.

•The remote database server is also required if you wish to provide remote access to CMD's data from computers that are off-site from the church office. This means that the pastor, staff, and lay leaders (if you wish) can be given the CMD program for use on their home or laptop computers but all can access the actual church data from a remote location.

Of course, while the program execution itself will be unchanged, CMD will respond more slowly when connected remotely because the data is going back and forth across the internet! But it is quite usable, and wonderfully effective because you are always working live with the latest data. All that's basically required is the use of the remote database server software on the host computer or hardware server, and a fast internet connection for both the host and the remote computers.

The remote database server software can only be purchased through Software for Ministry, and is produced by the maker of CMD's data engine. It is available for purchase on our web store at www.softwareforministry.com.

If you need help debugging your remote database server software, click here.