Mysql host

Question

Instead of dealing with the trouble of setting up an individual server on each of my client's machines, I was thinking I might just get a mySQL host online.  I use ipower for web hosting most of the time, but they dont allow outside connections to the sql databases.  Are there hosts that will allow this?

Answer 1

Hello Patrick,

A number of things.

A. --- Why is it trouble to set up MySql on each of your clients machines, It is not that difficult to completely automate the process in a setup scenario and add the necessary DSN records to the registry.


B. --- Most if not all hosting companies will allow direct access to your MySql database using MySql Administrator, MySql Query Browser, I know godaddy.com does and so does Hosting.com (formerly hostemysite.com) but that would be to only one MySql Database.

C. --- Security would be an issue however.

4. --- Having said all this, if you want multiple users connecting to the same database using an on line account from a desktop application you can do it this way.   Create a web interface where you  send all your requests to the web page where security is / has been established then you marshall all your requests via your web site, this is in fact how my Desktop Organizer (a desktop application) product determines if an installation on a machine is registered or not.

The impossible is only impossible because you think it is, open your minds,
 

Answer 2

You can search the internet using something such as:

"external connection" "sql server" host

That should at least show that it is possible. You might need to send an inquiry to some hosting companies; they don't all specify in their web site whether they allow external connections. I assume you understand that the reason to not allow external connections is to ensure security, but I don't know how much of a security threat that external connections are.