Using DataPower 2 on a Network

Installing DataPower 2 on a network

You can install DataPower locally on each machine, or install to a location on the server and run DataPower from there. This ensures that all users are running the same version of DataPower, and also allows much easier updating if a new version is released.

If you want to install the Windows version onto a central server, you need to install from each client machine in turn to the same location on the server, as the installer still needs to update some Windows system files and to set up the DataPower link on the Start menu. The installation process will be much quicker on the second and subsequent times you install to the same location, as the shared files only need to be copied once.

Note that the method of installation of DataPower is independent of client/server mode, which can work equally well regardless of whether DataPower is installed locally onto each machine, or onto a central server (see below).

Client / Server file sharing

This allows multiple users across a network to access the same files at the same time, and also allows them to update the files, with due regard to record locking (so that only one user can actually update a given record at any one time, but they can each update different records simultaneously).

Because the work is done by the server (ie. the machine where the database file resides) it is very quick and helps minimise the amount of data travelling round the net. As multiple users can access the same file, disc space is saved and ensures that the current work file is always up-to-date. If anyone updates a record that you are looking at on screen, then DataPower will automatically update you over the net, changing the information on your screen! So if you have a list of books outstanding from the library on screen, and someone somewhere else on the network, logs a book back in, it will disappear from your list, so what you see is always up to date.

Site licence users can make full use of the client/server features of DataPower in one of two ways:

Peer-to-peer mode:

This simply requires that a normal copy of DataPower is running on the machine where the database file resides.

The "server" machine manages the datafiles but lets everyone have access, so that you can have true multiple read/write access of your data files, ie: add records, search, build reports and so on all at the same time.

As well as accessing files across the network from multiple client machines, it's also possible for a user to access files directly on the server machine using the server copy of DataPower, or even for that machine to access other DataPower files on other machines in client/server mode (provided that a copy of DataPower is running on each of those machines as well).

Note that the PC version imposes a limit of 10 simultaneous users per server: if you need more than that you should be using the DataPower 2 NT Server service (see below).

Central server mode:

With this setup the datafiles all reside on a central server, and a dedicated "DataPower Server" program provides client/server access for any number of client machines.

If you have a Windows NT server, you can install the DataPower 2 NT Server service to provide high-speed dedicated client/server capabilities.

Similarly, if you have an Acorn server, you can use the !DP-Svr application to provide dedicated client/server access.

Note that the Acorn server version comes with the DataPower 2 site licence, but the DataPower 2 NT Server service is available separately.

At present it is not possible to use client/server mode with a Netware server, or with a Linux server.

Multiplatform

DataPower can be run on a network with mixed 'client' machines (ie. Acorns and PCs), provided they have a way of sharing files over the network, that is supported by DataPower.

This means that the files must reside on Windows 95/98/NT machines, the Acorns must be running LanMan, and the network protocol must be TCP/IP.

Please note that the Mac version does not support client/server mode at present.

Networks

DataPower can run on the following industry-standard network, which allows PCs and Acorns to share data:

• TCP/IP

DataPower can also run on the following Acorn networks:

• Econet
• AUN (ie. Econet protocol over Ethernet)
• Nexus (virtual Econet)
• ClassNet
• Acorn Access
• LanMan (for TCP/IP connection to a Windows NT Server)

Password Protection

Protecting your data is important, and in some cases a legal requirement. DataPower has built-in password protection and data encryption, so that you can specify who has what access right down to individual fields.

You can set up your database so that users either have to enter a password in order to access the file, or their access rights are based on their network username.