There are a few things you need to have done before you are ready to connect your Spruce AnyWare app to your Spruce database:
•If connecting locally, you must have a wireless network (WiFi) installed, and your device must be configured to connect to that network.
•If you plan on connecting remotely, your company must have some way of accessing your database from outside your local network (via a static IP or domain name available via the Internet). Typically, a port on your router is forwarded to the SQL server. Dynamic addresses won't work, so if your company doesn't already have a static IP (you should already have this for support connectivity), you will need to obtain one by contacting your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
•If you plan on connecting remotely, your device will need to have a data plan. This would be arranged with a wireless provider. Some devices may need additional hardware to connect remotely using a wireless provider's network.
•At least one station in the Spruce application must be setup for Spruce AnyWare connections. The station is necessary for determining certain default settings (branch, printers, etc.). The station's IP address field with be assigned as the station ID in the Spruce AnyWare app settings.
•You must download and install the Spruce AnyWare app from our web site. The Spruce AnyWare app is only available for download from our web site (connections require an available license and additional setup). In order to install Spruce AnyWare app, your phone must allow the installation of “non-market” apps which is usually an option in your device’s Settings (Apps category).
 Application Settings: Unknown Sources |
*The location and naming of features can vary by device.
Connection Settings
It's possible to save two (2) network connections for use with your Spruce AnyWare app. These connections should be considered a primary and secondary connection. Connections are defined in the app settings which are accessed from the splash screen before signing into the app. Connection addresses will typically be the same for all Spruce AnyWare installations.
The port setting is used for both connections (if two are defined). The default port is 517. This should not be changed unless SPRUCE personnel direct you to do so. When external access (WAN) is being used, the router must be configured to forward port 517 to the Spruce server.
Splash Screen with Menu
After you choose Settings from the Menu, the Primary IP Address and Secondary IP Address are used to designate the two (2) possible connections. The "primary" address will be the default connection for sign-on and is required. The "secondary" address is optional, and if used, this should be the lesser used connection. Leave the Secondary IP Address blank if you don't need two (2) connections. Either or both connections can be local (LAN, aka. Local Area Network) or external (WAN, aka. Wide Area Network). WAN connections would typically require some sort of data plan except in areas where public WiFi connections are available. Data plans are an additional expense but would allow connections from most locations where cell phone service is available. The type of connection and address used is determined by who is using the device and whether they will mostly be working with the device in your local network environment or outside the workplace.
Settings (Spruce AnyWare Configuration)
What is an IP Address?
Connections are usually IP (Internet Protocol) addresses (IPV4). An IP address is comprised of a series of 4 sets of numbers separated by three (3) decimals/periods. For example, "198.162.1.101" is an IPV4 address. The maximum value of each number set is 255 and the minimum value is zero (0). Each network device must have a unique address. In many cases, devices on the same network are assigned or use addresses that begin with the same first 3 sets of numbers and only the last set would vary. Network devices are sometimes identified by a name or IPV6 address instead or in addition to the IPV4 address.
Addresses may be an internal address, used by your local network only, or an external address that is accessible by Internet users. Typically, an external address would be assigned by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and you'd have to request a "static" or fixed address so that the address doesn't change when network equipment is reset, etc. In addition to a fixed or static address, you can also register a domain name and link that to your public address. In this case, the domain could be used in place of an actual IP address. Your router, the device handling the external connection, should forward port 517 to the Spruce server (where the HttpListener program will be running from). The internal address for the server would also be static (this is already required for Spruce connections).
Can I use a domain or server name in place of an address?
Yes, it's possible to substitute a domain or device name for either address; however, using names requires that a DNS server be available from the network (or Internet) to direct the request to a specific numbered IP address. Issues with DNS servers or changes to the assigned address can be an additional source and cause of connection issues.
How does Spruce AnyWare Communicate with the Spruce Server and Data?
Both connections (addresses) are used to indicate the location of a software program named the HttpListener. This software safely bridges communication and data transfer between the Spruce AnyWare app and your Spruce application's MSSQL Database Server (MSSQL is commonly used as an acronym for Microsoft® Structured Query Language). Any issues regarding the HttpListener should be directed to SPRUCE Software Support personnel.