Can phpBB be located on a seperate web host from my store?

Can phpBB be located on a seperate web host to ZenCart ? and have ZenCart linked to it to automatically create phpBB accounts ?

How would one set this up ? if this is possible.

ZenCart v 1.3.9h
phpBB v 3.0.9

If you are referring two different web hosting accounts or two different web hosting companies. So then "Yes" you can.

If it's not on the same physical server, then you will have problems with connection speed and security.
Plus, if it's not on the same hosting "account", then you will also have additional problems with file permissions when attempting to access configuration details.

In short, if you don't possess the skills to overcome all those issues yourself, then it's STRONGLY recommended that you don't go that route.

Yes I mean two separate physical servers from two separate web hosting companies. I think there could be a way without compromising security, by simply populating the phpBB registration for fields, so that the user it still required to confirm phpBB registration at that point. i.e. they would still need to enter the captcha confirmation code.

Not sure how to do this, however I don't think this approach would compromise security. It effectively would be a semi automated approach and the user could opt out if they did not want to join the forum. I’m not really a php / MySQL programmer, but conceptually I think this could be done without too much effort by an experienced programmer.

bkeaton, regarding your "Yes" answer, what would you suggest as an approach to this could be ? I gather there might be several approaches to this, ranging in complexity, performance and security.

Big question ... Why?

Why ? Because I have two separate web hosts in two separate countries, running two separate ZenCart installations, that I want to use the same phpBB forum, to cut down administrative overheads. Thus this way, I only have to manage one phpBB site. It will just save me time and effort by using just one phpBB forum site. Due to zencart / web host / distance from customer base performance and cost issues, its more practical for me to host the zencart in the country it serves.