Einar,

This is a question for my network person, but he is not here today. So I'll take a stab at it. I was under the impression that all of our replication is performed by the SQL Server Agent using SQL Server Authentication having the SYSADMIN role for a SQL user account that exists on all domains. This user name is NOT given out to users but is only used for replication and administration tasks. Furthermore, I do not believe the Merge Agent (which runs under SQL Server Agent) can use Windows Authentication Mode.

Mike A.

>OK, from what I read, I suppose many offices will need only MSDE. But what about authentication when the MSDE is 'connected' to a main server via merge replication over a VPN network on different windows domains. Should I use Windows authentication or SQL ?
>
>>Einar,
>>
>>The following comes from Microsoft's web site:
>>MSDE 2000 redistribution rights are included in the Microsoft Visual FoxPro® 7.0 and 8.0 EULAs. MSDE 2000 is a local data engine that can be shared and used as a data storage for desktop applications. MSDE 2000 has no enforced user limit; however, shared use by five or fewer users is recommended.
>>
>>Mike A.
>>
>>>Using SQL server I want to have a central DB (with processor license) and replicate subsets of data to/from some local offices. Can I replicate data between the central server and use MSDE at each local office? Each local office will have 5-15 users. Or will there be limitations in functionality or capacity. The link between the central site and the local offices will typically be 1 Mbit VPN.