Database Multiple Users / Remote Access

hello,

i'm working on rebuilding database system company work for. i'm using vs c# 2010, stores connected private server network (novell if that's relevant). told ask in architecture forums particular problem.

one reason (of several) i'm trying replace current 20 year old dos based system it's not reliable multitude of users has. haven't been able decipher relatively ancient code used create it, presently use remote desktop access program's .exe file stored on 1 of machines. drawback being if log 1 store, whoever on gets booted.

i've built of individual forms needed replace system, problem i'm used making small standalone programs, not server-based or multi user i'm not @ sure them @ point. our set appears have separate databases each store, , call prez , syncs records @ end of every day. goal have program can lodge in server or each store gets separate table in 1 database. i've built log in page generic id's each store , open form store, form having appropriate database table loaded. have no idea whatsoever go there. i've been told planting db on server , having users access/update remotely via new program insanely bad (and had scrap use of access databases in favor of sql better multi-user). leaves me more confusion, because if make in 1 , give each store, still have separate databases, , i've been told if build database program , leave on server shortcut icons activate it, cause software corruption. how should set up? have forms, can switch current prototypes sql enough, how connect them?

relative newb. i've got associates in software application programming didn't cover whole lot of networking. advice or constructive abuse welcome. can call me idiot, if offer advice toward changing status. :)

may fleas of thousand camels feast happily on lower regions of enemies. , may arms short scratch!

please understand thoroughly understand existing system in terms of functionality . process time taking process. then decide how screens provide software. when handling software development , please try follow agile software development methods like scrum. please create short term goals software project respect short timed milestones in terms software deliverable s.

for software application please create n tier software architecture project, example graphical user interface <===> business logic <===> data access layer <==> database layer (sql server 2008 or sql server 2005).

for software application need have strong database application. after thoroughly understanding functionalities ( times functionalities change time) , please create simple strong database software application.

when database ready depicts current software functionality, decide start designing screen graphical user interface.

you can very graphical user interface after database done. you can install graphical user interface in each workstation . software application running in each work station can communicate business logic using window communication foundation (wcf). simple application flow given below.

graphical user interface(gui). communication wcf turn business logic in turn communicating data access layer , data access layer communicating sqlserver 2008. you can host wcf layer in iis 7.0 need have window server 2008 r2. this server have main database software application.

the simple application follow

gui ç è wcf ç è business logic layer ç è data access layer ç è database layer(sql server 2008)

if have business logic software application , can add business logic layer other wise can remove business logic layer. if business logic layer removed , follow diagram given below

gui ç è wcf ç è data access layer ç è database layer(sql server 2008)

for database layer can use ado.net , linqtosql or entityframework 3.5 or 4.0. please ensure have strong database design before start software application design or development. mentioned earlier , please follow agile design methods ie scrum software project. please remember short goals software goals , give importance software testing.

for graphical user interface please follow in prism framework and looking wcf materials microsoft.

some important technical tips regarding wcf