Multi-Site Specifications
In addition to the standard PRM requirements, the following are necessary in order to successfully operate POSitive Multi-Site:
- MSSQL 2005 For Workgroups (or greater) at the Master Site
- Broadband Internet connection between all sites
- Router capable of supporting a stable VPN connection between locations
Here is a look at each of these requirements in detail:
MSSQL 2005 For Workgroups (or greater) at the Master Site
POSitive Retail Manager uses Microsoft's SQL 2005 to store, retrieve, and manage data. SQL Express 2005 is distributed with POSitive, but this version does not act as a publisher for replication (which is required for replication to work).
In order to support replication, which allows the data to move between sites, MSSQL 2005 For Workgroups is required at the Master Site. The Workgroups edition includes the replication agent, which can move the data around even if the other sites are using SQL Express 2005.
This should work fine for sites with low volume sales. If you expect high volume sales, for example you are creating over 100 transactions per day, then you should install MSSQL 2005 For Workgroups at all sites. This will provide the necessary "horsepower" to make your SQL replication perform well.
Broadband Internet connection between all sites
In order for replication to work well, a broadband internet connection is required between all sites. If this is not possible, there are ways to have replication work on a low speed internet connection, however, we do not recommend it if at all possible.
Router capable of supporting a stable VPN connection between locations
When using replication, we created what is called a "VPN Tunnel" between the sites. "VPN" stands for Virtual Private Network. Simply put, this makes your remote site part of your master site's local network, using the internet as the "wiring" between the sites. Practically all routers support VPN connections, but it doesn't hurt to check!
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