Can a PHP script process a file on a remote computer?

["Jon Westcot" <jon@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi all:

    I'm working on a project that requires frequent updating of a large amount of data to a MySQL database.  Currently, I'm trying to transfer a CSV file to the server, have it process the file, and then delete it once the processing is complete.  Rather than waste the up-front time of having to upload the file (which is currently timing out without fully uploading the file and I have no idea how to resolve this!), is it possible to have the server open the specified file remotely and read it using the fgetcsv() function?  If so, how?

    Any help you can give me will be GREATLY appreciated!

    Thanks,

        Jon