Greetings.

I'm need to how import/export of data can be effectively managed in the
following case scenario.

Head office uses sql server with Access 2000 as the front end for entry and
reporting. The database is complex with many relations and data types,
including images. Outsourced clients, who are not allowed to connect to the
central office via VPN or any other network connection, are mandated to use
the same system on their network to perform their consulting services.
Whenever the outside consultants create a new report, they need to be able
to send the data to the head office where it will be synchronized with their
main SQL Server database. It is not enough for the consultants to merely
print a report and mail it, the data needs to end up in the central
repository where it can ultimately be queried and accessed.

Originally, I was planning to in stall VPN connections to the head office at
the consultants' work location and use merge replication, but the customer
has indicated that it is very averse to this VPN setup and would prefer an
import/export architecture that isn't based on a network connection.

In addition, the database currently does not use GUID's as primary keys, but
autonumbers. I imagine this will be a problem as well.

Thanks in advance.