Concept Help

[scorpion53061]

We are getting a new file server (WIN2003) migrating from Novell and I
have been asked to write a program that will allow them not to have to
buy licenses. I know I know how ridiculous this sounds but he is the
boss.

Using FTP this was the idea I came up with. Your thoughts would be
appreciated.

I have them log in via a windows program. Their username and password
would be stored in SQL which upon a successful login would login to the
FTP Server, cd to their directory, loop through the files and then list
them. They would highlight a file to move it to their PC, or delete it.
There would be a browse button to allow them to upload a file to their
directory.

Once there we would have functions for them to upload, download, or
remove files from their directory.

The only thing I worry about is some users like to open the file right
from the server. I don't know how I could accomplish this or save
changes in the document (it would be outside my program). The only thing
I could think of would be to force them to download their document to
their PC and then return the document to the server from within the
program. Can I be sure they will remember to do this?

Maybe have all user files opened go to a certain directory and a file
watcher component automatically save the changes to the server every 5
minutes (it would login, save the files and then log out until another
five minutes has gone by). I don't know just brainstorming.

Any way your thoughts would be great.