Relay Server

[#1]

Hi.

We have the following scenario:

A backend server, running a database in SQL Anywhere 12. A frontend server, running IIS 7.

We would like to create webpages that can access data in the backend server, without opening ports or using webservices - ergo using SQL select commands. It would also be great if our customers could use their Windows Application (PowerBuilder) outside of the company LAN, connecting to the database through this frontend server.

I've looked in the documentation and found a bit about the Relay Server and Outbound Enabler. Do we have to setup an MobiLink server at the backend server, or can the Relay Server talk directly to the SQL Server through the Outbound Enabler? And if so, how do we connect a webpage (or the windows application for that matter) to the Relay Server so that we can select on the backend SQL Server? Is it possible to use an ODBC, and that the Relay Server does the magic of connecting?

Maybe we're thinking wrong here, so what is the best practice for this approach?

And is there any conflicts in running an IIS webserver and the Relay Server on the same physical computer? It looks like both are using ports 80 and 443 for communication, and that might cause problems.

Regards,

Bjarne Anker AKVA group Software Norway [email protected]

[Former Member]

Ok, I understand.

Could eg. OpenVPN be a alternative way to let the ODBC-connection through to the backend server from the webserver in the DMZ? Is it "safe enough"? The webserver is a standard Windows 2008, without RRAS or ISA installed.

[jeff_albion]

If you can make a direct TCP connection to the database server (over whichever connection technologies you need to employ to get this up and running), this should work.

"Safe enough" is an evaluative term that is different from person-to-person; if you require security for your communications, it is recommended to encrypt your database connections using strong encryption technology.