>Can I ask a few silly questions?
>
>1) Is the access key generated solely from the reg number? If so, why can't this feature be built into the application itself.

>2) If the access key depends on other information in your central database (the access key generating database), why not put this access key generation data on a file server and have the user's app go out and get the data. No need for a browser, intranet or com objects.


Here is how the entire process works:
Each time they run my VFP program it checks to make sure they have a valid Auth Key. There is a VFP table that stores (encrypted), their Registration Number, their Authorization Key and some date fields. When their current Auth Key expires, a new Reg # is created and they need to get a new Auth Key. The Auth Key is based on a mathematical formula as well as who they are. Depending on the user, the Auth Key I give them will be either a demo key, a timed key or a permanent key.

As I said, currently the generation of the Auth Key is a completely manual process. When they need a new key, they call me and I give them one based on their Reg #.

When we automate this, we also want to track who and when they requested a new Auth Key. Currently there is an Access table that is checked before a user is allowed to logon to the intranet. I was thinking of just adding some fields to this table (dateOfAuth, DurationOfKey, TypeOfKey etc), however I could create a different table if necessary.

I'm not sure of how to approach this whole task. I have never before set up a web app and I'm just trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together and what my options are. I am not the Webmaster, and don't know a lot about the intranet structure. I can find out whatever I need to know, but at the moment am not sure even of what questions to ask! :)

Thanks for your patience!
~ellen