>I have a client who I am trying to finish up some Crystal Reports for, but I need remote access to their database files. They don't have that capability in place.
>
>What is the best way for me to connect to their SQL Server remotely with minimum hardware and software.
>
>On my end I have a broadband Verizon DSL connection and I use AOL for Internet connection.
>
>They told me they have a Web site, but it is not tied into their SQL Server at all.
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>Any suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks!

I see two possibilities:

1) They make their SQL Server addressible from the Internet
2) They backup the SQL Server database, copy it to a CD and mail it to you. You restore from that backup to an instance of SQL Server at your site.

1) requires that they open a port in their firewall (default is port 1433, but they may want to use something different [non-standard]) for security reasons. They would need to have the SQL Server TCP/IP network interface installed and configured (i.e. not just Named Pipes). The instance of SQL Server would REQUIRE having the most recent patches installed (e.g. SQL Server 2000 SP4) for security reasons otherwise they would be vulnerable to worms such as SQL Slammer. All SQL Server accounts would REQUIRE strong passwords (including SA). Also, the SQL Server may need to be reconfigured to support SQL Server logins (i.e. "mixed-mode") if it is currently installed in Windows authentication-only mode.

Their network/security people may be very reluctant to do all this (and rightfully so, IMHO). Personally I'd advise this only if all the above conditions are met, and it's for a (very) limited time.

On your end you'd need their external IP address (of their router or the SQL Server itself) and a SQL Server user name and password, with appropriate permissions.

2) is an attractive option if you don't need "real-time" access to their data, and it can all fit on a CD or DVD.