>I have a request from my users (doctors) that they would like to access our patient database (VFP 3) while visiting patients throughout the hospital campus. The campus is several buildings stretching over 4x4 city block area. The areas they visit may or may not have computers or ethernet connections.
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>The database is written in pure VFP3 on a netware 4 fileserver. There is a campus wide TCP/IP network but not a certainty of live ethernet drops being available. They have expressed interest in hand-held or laptops as the vehicles for using the database. Laptops seem more generic and easier to find a solution for.
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>What are my options and does anyone have any products or solutions they can recommend? Some things that I can think of off the top of my head are:
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>1) Use wireless ethernet cards. ($$)
>I am unsure of the distances and speeds they operate at.
>2) Make a synchronization routine. The doctors carry a copy of the database with them then manually schronize it when they arrive in the unit or at an live ethernet port.
>3) Use a cellular modem with PC anywhere or citrix server ($$$)
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>Any thoughts/advice/tips appreciated.

There is a local hospital here that uses two methods.

1. A PC at each nurse station for Dr. use.
2. Moveable PC's on roll carts that can be plugged into various jacks in the complex. Each hallway has an active jack, and there are jacks in each patient room and Dr. office.

I would not try to have local data update to a master. I have done before and can get really messy.

I guess it comes down to having a proper wiring infrastructure in place. My .02