Remote Access Solutions for the Bill Good Marketing System ®
A Supplement to the
Bill Good Marketing System ® Proposal by Brian McDonald, Software Support Director December 2005
White Paper
Publisher: Bill Good, Chairman of Bill Good Marketing, Inc.
© 2005 by Bill Good Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved.
Patent pending. The products and services referred to herein are either trademarks or service marks, or registered trademarks or registered service marks, of Bill Good Marketing, Inc.
This information represents the current view of the author as of the date of publication. Because of the rate at which conditions are changing, the author reserves the right to alter and update his opinion based on new conditions.
This White Paper is for informational purposes only. Copyright permission is hereby granted to make copies and distribute to financial advisors in the United States and Canada.
Bill Good
Chairman
Bill Good Marketing, Inc.
12393 Gateway Park Pl #600
Draper, UT 84020-9580
800-678-1480
CONTENTS
Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
| |
Why Remote Access?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
| |
Approved Remote Access Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
| |
Satellite Import/Export. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
| |
Docking/Undocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
| |
Outlook ® /Palm ® Synchronization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
| |
Windows ® XP Remote Desktop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
| |
Microsoft Terminal Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
| |
| This White Paper is to be used as an overview of different technologies that are available for remotely accessing the Gorilla database. It does not cover every type of remote access technology available today but is limited to those that BGM has determined to work with Gorilla when properly configured.
We strongly advise that you leave the ultimate decision on your remote access to a qualified network technician who is familiar with your network and other requirements and who has studied this White Paper.
|
| As used in this White Paper, remote access is accessing the Gorilla ® \Data and \Database folders on the Master computer from a computer at a different location—
e.g., a user’s home or other non-office location—whether temporarily or in an ongoing telecommute.
|
APPROVED REMOTE ACCESS SOLUTIONS
The remote access solution that will work best for you depends both on how you will use Gorilla from the remote location(s) as well as what technologies you have available.
Each solution tested and approved for use with the Gorilla program is described below.
Satellite Import/Export
The Gorilla Satellite system lets you make a copy of the database for the Satellite computer, which can then view and add information on a limited basis. The Satellite can re-export the database so that new information can be integrated on the Master computer.
Requirements
- A stand-alone computer for the remote user.
- A way to transfer files from the Master computer to the Satellite and back. Effective methods include CDs and Zip disks (if both computers have a CD-writer or a Zip drive, respectively), USB flash drives, or even a website through which data can be uploaded and downloaded.
- Gorilla version 2.0 or newer.
Advantages
- It’s free—or rather, there is no additional charge. As long as you are a licensed System user, Gorilla Satellite capability is available.
- We support it. Clients on a support contract (ESP) can get assistance from our technical staff.
- You can add Notes and Actions, change Contact Group data, set up (but not print) Letters, and look up information.
- If the website or similar transfer method is chosen, the remote user need not visit the office for each update.
Disadvantages
- The Satellite computer is not allowed system-defining functionalities. That means you cannot modify Selection Rules, Campaigns, Documents, Speedbuttons, etc., or add new ones. You cannot downline or delete Contact Groups, although you can create new ones.
- It is not live. You cannot see other users’ updates after your Satellite database was exported, and they cannot see yours, except through the Import/ Export function.
- To maintain a reasonable level of accuracy, at least once a day the Computer Operator and the remote user must each perform a rather time-consuming and moderately complicated Import/Export process.
Recommended Use
Use the Satellite system only if no other alternative is available, or the need for remote access is temporary and infrequent.
For more information on using the original Satellite system, consult:
Docking/Undocking
Since Gorilla 2.2, a much simpler method of creating a satellite database is possible.
Requirements
- A stand-alone computer for the remote user that can be connected to the Master computer over a local network.
- Gorilla version 2.2 or newer.
Advantages
- Docking and undocking has all the advantages of the Satellite system (see above).
- It is simple to use. A single choice on the Import / E x port menu creates a new database directly on the remote user’s computer, another integrates changes and reattaches the machine to the Master.
Disadvantages
- As on a Satellite, the user is not allowed system-defining functionalities.
- As on a Satellite, it is not live.
- To maintain a reasonable level of accuracy, the remote user must visit the office at least once a day.
Recommended Use
- Dock and undock your computer if no live access method is available to you.
- For more information on docking and undocking a remote computer, consult:
- Various Help topics. (Look up Docking a Satellite in the Index.)
- Our BGM Software Support personnel, if possible via the online chatroom, http://www.billgoodmarketing.com/gorilla-support/ , or over the phone.
Outlook ® /Palm ® Synchronization
Through Microsoft ® Outlook ® , Palm ® OS™ (handheld), or Palm Desktop, Gorilla can synchronize some data with your handheld PDA device.
Requirements
- Microsoft Outlook 2000 or newer, or Palm Desktop before 4.1.4.
- A PDA device that can be synchronized with one of the above.
- Gorilla version 2.2 or newer.
Advantages
- The only additional cost is the PDA. As long as you are a licensed System user, capability for synchronization to Outlook or Palm is available.
- We support it. Clients on a support contract (ESP) can get assistance from our technical staff.
- Handheld PDAs are extremely portable.
- You can look up basic contact info (names, addresses—postal and email— and phone numbers), Notes, and Actions for Contact Groups plus Scheduled Items (Actions not attached to any CG).
- You can add or modify basic CG contact info, Notes, and Appointments.
Disadvantages
- You can look up only basic contact info, Notes, and Actions.
- You can add or modify only basic contact info, Notes, and Appointments.
- It is not live. You cannot see other users’ updates after your information was exported, and they cannot see yours, except through the synchronization function.
- To maintain a reasonable level of accuracy, the comparatively quick synchronization process must be performed at least once a day.
Recommended Use
- PDA synchronization provides very limited data exchanges, but does it very well.
Windows ® XP Remote Desktop
The Windows ® XP operating system comes with Remote Desktop, which lets you access another computer as though you were sitting right at it.
Requirements
- Windows XP on both Master and remote computers. If a machine other than the Master is to be accessed, it too must have XP.
- High-speed (DSL, cable, or better) Internet or network connection on both computers.
- Your firm’s agreement; there may be security issues.
Advantages
- There is no additional cost beyond the requirements above.
- You have full access to the entire Gorilla database.
- It is live. Data is entered from the remote location directly into the Master database.
- It does not require Gorilla on the remote computer.
Disadvantages
- We don’t support it. Because it is a Microsoft product, our technical support staff cannot offer assistance on its use. We have, however, tested it and found it to be a workable solution with the requirements above.
- It is not as fast as MS Terminal Services (see below).
- With it, Gorilla can print only on devices connected to the Master machine.
- It may require a qualified network technician to set up and maintain.
- It is not as secure and robust as other remote access options.
- While Remote Desktop is in use, the accessed computer is available only to the remote user. However, other local stations retain network access.
Recommended Use
- If its requirements can be met, use MS Remote Desktop for live access to the full database when no more advanced option is available or affordable.
More information on Remote Desktop can be found on Microsoft’s website for the product, www.micr osoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/default.mspx , and its links, or by contacting a qualified network technician.
Microsoft Terminal Services
Like Remote Desktop, MS Terminal Services lets you access your Master database directly. You can use virtually any computing device, even one that cannot run Windows, if it can connect to the Internet.
Requirements
- A Microsoft Windows Server computer (preferably running Server 2003) containing the Gorilla program.
- High-speed Internet connection on the server and preferably on the remote computer. Again, the remote device need not run Windows.
- Your firm’s agreement; there may be security issues.
Advantages
- It is fast. You send only keyboard entries and mouse clicks and receive only images; all processing is done on the master machine.
- It is live.
- You have full access to the Gorilla database, including printing functions through either the Master machine or your remote computer.
- It is the most secure remote-access connection.
Disadvantages
- Starting from scratch, the required setup is fairly expensive. However, you may have some components already in place on your network.
- It requires a qualified network technician to set up and maintain.
- We don’t support it. Because it is a Microsoft product, our technical support staff cannot offer assistance on its use. We have, however, tested it and found it to be a workable solution with the requirements above.
Recommended Use
- MS Terminal Services provides the best remote access available at this time, provided its requirements can be met.
More information on Terminal Services can be found at a Microsoft website—enter www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/features/featuresorterresults.aspx? Technolog y= Terminal+Services in your Net browser, or with this White Paper online, click the link (see the gray-background section in the middle of the webpage)—or by contacting a qualified network technician.