We do pretty much the same here. We've tried to concentrate our users on
Citrix. We do find, however, that it is better overall to set up R:Base on
each Citrix server rather than just having one folder on the file
server. This helps to minimize network I/O with the server that holds the
database. In our environment, it seems the network I/O on the file server
is the bottleneck, even though the servers are all interconnected at
gigabit full duplex on Cisco switches.
Near the end of the R:BASE Developers' Conference,
Cheryl McClure asked for more information on the
easiest way to manage R:BASE version upgrades with
multiple users across networks. Since there
wasn't time to bring it up during the conference,
I told her I'd open a discussion on this topic on
the list, to get feedback from other users.
In my own experience, I have set up all my
multi-user installations of R:BASE version
7.0, 7.1, and 7.5 using the "Server" installation.
To do this, the first time I install R:BASE, I
change the default drive/folder to be a shared
network drive, say, R:\APPS\RBTI\RBG75. By
selecting the "Server" installation option,
the R:BASE installer will place the required
files in my target folder - and NO files will
be placed in the local Windows/WINNT or System32
folders.
Then, create a desktop shortcut using the "-A"
startup option to tell R:BASE where to find
the required files. A sample shortcut is:
Target: R:\APPS\RBTI\RBG75\RBG75.EXE -A Startup.rmd
Start In: G:\DATA\RBDATA
This way, if there is a new user or a new computer,
the users just have to copy the shortcut to their
desktop, enter the license key and activation key once.
After that, if there is a bug patch or new build
of R:BASE, I can install it once using the "server"
installation and pointing to the shared folder,
and it is seamless for the end user - the next time
they open R:BASE they will be running the new build.
The only drawback is if the user needs the R:BASE
ODBC files set up - and then you'd want to also
install R:BASE on that user's workstation.
I have tested this on a couple of networks,
including Terminal Server and Citrix configurations,
and do not see any speed degradation with the
R:BASE program files residing on the server.
I'd be interesting in hearing how other developers
have managed their network installations.
Sami Aaron
Software Management Specialists
913-915-1971
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Emmitt Dove
Manager, DairyPak Business Systems
Blue Ridge Paper Products, Inc.
40 Lindeman Drive
Trumbull, CT 06611
(203) 673-2231
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
