Client Server Communications

A client/server application that will enable a client application to send and receive information to and from the server application (over a LAN). The following properties are required: Server Application: 1) Run as an NT service (as a local machine service with NT-authentication) 2) Validate user sign in using a user name and password from a SQL Server Database (obtaining DB connection information from registry information using NT authentication) 3) Provide a count of current active connections (for concurrent license purposes) Client Application: 1) Run as a desktop application 2) Able to detect the server application without the need for users to set a server IP address 3) Able to sign in to the server application using a user name and password 4) Able to retrieve a current database connection string from the server application (for use in another desktop application) 5) Able to retrieve current active user count and user list 6) Able to reply to status request from server (signed in/out) 7) Able to action the following server requests: a) Force logout (server forces client to sign off) b) Request logout (server requests client to sign off with optional decline) 8) Able to send a signoff request to another user (force or request only) Additional Requirements/Information: 1) Code needs to be provided in Visual Basic written under Visual Studio 2008 2) The environment in use will be a standard local area network 3) Messages sent between client and server need to be secure 4) Both client and server need to work within Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows Server 2003 5) This application will form part of a larger application. We will require all source code for later modification and integration. The code needs to be well commented throughout and documentation should be provided were appropriate. ## Deliverables 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables): a) For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). ## Platform Windows XP Windows Vista Windows Server 2003