PrOpHeT
01-10-2006, 03:05 PM
I have a current problem where data needs to be transferred from machines in the field to a central server.
The details are as follows.
1.) When a user inserts a USB key in a remote machine it grabs the last 40 days of data builds an xml file, zips that file and writes it to the USB key (This part works great)
2.) User returns to office and goes to any workstation on the network, navigates to an intranet site and uploads the file to the server (This is the part that is bugging us)
Currently we have an activex control (Written in vb6) embedded in a page that queries an ASP page on the server for version of the latest client.exe on the server, then downloads and executes the client.exe which in turn looks for the key/then file, and uploads the file.
It does this using the UrlDownloadToFile API.
I know an ASP or ASPX page can upload files to a server, all well and good. The problem is the design specs call for once the link to the page is clicked the process is automatic, no user intervention required. AKA Insert key in computer and click link.
It is my understanding that to do it ASP or ASPX would require the user browse to and select a file.
The point is to have a zero footprint and zero setup automatic file transfer scenario.
The activex approach has been a complete nightmare thus far, it can be made functional, but requires manual configuration for each site.
The server can be made a trusted site to the client, and zone changes made if need be so ling as the end result is a user can stop at any computer on the network with access to the server, go to the page and click transfer. It does not need to be internet capable, so if that allows for greater flexibility great.
The basic design restrictions are that it must be able to find the key, detect the presence of the file, and move it .I can only assure two ports available to us 6810 {Specific to other operations of our software}, and the HTTP port the page comes over, everything else could be fire walled depending on the site, so FTP is out.
I would love some suggestions on how some of you might handle such a task to perhaps drive this in the correct direction.
Thanks all.
The details are as follows.
1.) When a user inserts a USB key in a remote machine it grabs the last 40 days of data builds an xml file, zips that file and writes it to the USB key (This part works great)
2.) User returns to office and goes to any workstation on the network, navigates to an intranet site and uploads the file to the server (This is the part that is bugging us)
Currently we have an activex control (Written in vb6) embedded in a page that queries an ASP page on the server for version of the latest client.exe on the server, then downloads and executes the client.exe which in turn looks for the key/then file, and uploads the file.
It does this using the UrlDownloadToFile API.
I know an ASP or ASPX page can upload files to a server, all well and good. The problem is the design specs call for once the link to the page is clicked the process is automatic, no user intervention required. AKA Insert key in computer and click link.
It is my understanding that to do it ASP or ASPX would require the user browse to and select a file.
The point is to have a zero footprint and zero setup automatic file transfer scenario.
The activex approach has been a complete nightmare thus far, it can be made functional, but requires manual configuration for each site.
The server can be made a trusted site to the client, and zone changes made if need be so ling as the end result is a user can stop at any computer on the network with access to the server, go to the page and click transfer. It does not need to be internet capable, so if that allows for greater flexibility great.
The basic design restrictions are that it must be able to find the key, detect the presence of the file, and move it .I can only assure two ports available to us 6810 {Specific to other operations of our software}, and the HTTP port the page comes over, everything else could be fire walled depending on the site, so FTP is out.
I would love some suggestions on how some of you might handle such a task to perhaps drive this in the correct direction.
Thanks all.