How to Setup WorkTime to work in a client-server mode

WorkTime can work in a client-server mode: it means, that all client WorkTime application(s) store and access data at single separate computer (database server).
To run WorkTime in a client-server mode, you need to install Firebird database server and WorkTime database on your server PC; also you need to configure WorkTime client application(s) to use the server database.


You can use as a server any Windows PC in your local network. (Dedicated server is not required - you can run WorkTime on that PC as well.)

To setup your server follow these steps:
1. Download, install and run database server Firebird 1.5.
1.1. Direct download link here. Mirror on the NesterSoft web-site here (version 1.5.5.4926, size 2,865,169).
Also you can download latest version from the official Firebird web site - choose item "Official Windows Setup and Installer For Classic and SuperServer"
1.2. Installation is very simple: you don't need to change any options, just click Next, .., Next, Finish.
See screenshots (also more information about Firebird) here

Note: Both Firebird server and database file (wt4.gdb) must reside on a hard drive that is physically connected to the host machine. They cannot be placed on a subst-ed or mapped drive, a filesystem share or a network filesystem.

Note: If there is a firewall on the server machine - make sure port TCP/3050 is enabled.


2. Install WorkTime on the server PC (e.g. default location C:\Program Files\WorkTime).
If you are going to use WorkTime on the server PC - setup it as described below.

Note: If you do not want to install WorkTime on the server - you can manually copy WorkTime database file (located in "c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\NesterSoft\WorkTime\db\WT4.GDB" ) to the server - e.g. "c:\worktime\wt4.gdb". (Before copying make sure that WorkTime is not running - database file can be locked).


To setup WorkTime client computer(s)
1. Setup all WorkTime client applications (including WorkTime installed on the server, if any) to connect to the server:
Select Options menu item, Database tab, click Change Database and enter server name or IP address (here it's SERVER_PC) and local database path (here it's c:\Program Files\WorkTime\db\wt4.gdb), click OK to save changes.

Note: Local database path means server's local relative path, not shared folder or network path.


That's it, now WorkTime uses server database for storing data.

Screenshot:



Troubleshooting

If WorkTime cannot connect to the server with the message
Unable to complete network request to host "SERVER_PC".
Failed to establish a connection.
unknown Win32 error 10060

1. Make sure that you have Firebird server installed and started on the SERVER_PC computer
(check Control Panel - Firebird 1.5 Server Manager applet)
2. Disable your server firewall or add entry to allow communications on port TCP/3050