[Solved] Can I use base simultaneously on a PC and a Mac?

[francespace]

Hi there

I need to set up a database which can be used remotely by 3 users - 2 PC users and one Mac user. My plan is to put the database on Dropbox so the three people can use it simultaneously. Will OpenOffice Base work for this?

Thanks
Frances

[DACM]

Some folks have used Dropbox for this in the past, but it's not recommended. If you're absolutely sure that the data won't be changed simultaneously, it could work. Keep in mind that the "embedded database" configuration (single .odb file with 'embedded' database files) is prone to data corruption, so not recommended for productive use. Convert your 'embedded databases' to a 'split database' architecture for the proper reliability. Also, it's best to use a cloud-service that keeps multiple versions of your files automatically. Otherwise, you'll overwrite the good version with a corrupted version. Note that Dropbox no longer supports this 'versioning' feature when using a free account. But there's plenty of other options which do offer versioning to guard against general tragedies and file corruption.

[francespace]

Thank you that's really helpful.

[DACM]

Perhaps check-out the experience of fellow forum member Nocton with Dropbox. He seems happy with the solution -- and you can run everything directly from your Dropbox folder.