Use Database Server Manager on a cloud enviorment

Hello everyone, 

I've been struggling with this issue for quite some time with no help or resources from Quickbooks support. 
Unfortunately my impression is that they simply don't know networks or how this app is supposed to work. 

So with no further ado here's some pointers to help you host your database server on a cloud environment or for remote users. 

The basic secret is in the server's name. 

Let me explain, when a workstation is on the same LAN as the DB server manager, QB is looking for a connection to it via the hosting computer server name on a random port. 

In order to connect to a computer that is on a different network what you'll is the following: 

Step 1

Install only the DB Server Manager on the hosting computer (cloud or otherwise). 

Step 2 

Scan the shared folder used for storing and sharing the QBW files.

Step 3 

Monitor the Database server tab inside the DB Server Manager. You should see no file connections. 

Step 4 

On your remote workstation. Make a connection to the DB Server Manager computer via VPN or directly with it's public IP (configure your gateway). 

Step 5 

Edit your computer's hosts file to match the computer where DB Server Manager is installed with an accessible IP of the work station.

Step 6 

Open the QBW file (multi-user mode) using the hosting computer's name, the one you just added to your hosts file. 

That's it. Check the Database Server tab from Step 3, you should see active connections. 

I hope this helps others who are facing a similar issue. 
Reach out here for help if you need it. 

Cheers