RMS on a wireless network

Posted by Bill Yater on October 29, 2009, 9:40 am

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I have a prospect who is planning on implementing RMS on a 3-register system,
but does not want to use a regular Ethernet wired network in their store
(small space, and don't want to have to run wires); they want to operate
using a wireless router and each register connected using USB wireless
adapters.

I am VERY leery about using RMS on a wireless network. RMS gets really
cranky if it loses it's network / database connection for even a moment. The
POS application will switch over to offline mode, but it can be a hassle to
know when that's happened and to recover from it.
Also, Store Ops Manager does not have a offline mode, so you can't work
disconnected from the main RMS database and sync up later. I'm worried that
they could be in the middle of entering information, drop the wireless
connection, and lose what they've entered but haven't saved yet.

I would be very curious to know other people's experiences with using RMS on
a wireless network as a full-time implementation.

--
Bill Yater
Blue Horseshoe Solutions
byater@bhsolutions.com

Posted by Craig on October 29, 2009, 10:49 am

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Bill,
I don't use a wireless connection for my register, but I do use it for my
back office manager program. For the most part it works well. As you noted
RMS is very cranky about network connectivity, so I will lose the program
from time to time. It always starts right back up, but can really be a pain
in the ass if you don't save your work regularly. I still forget sometimes
and I've been using wireless this way for as long as I've had RMS(9 years),
I really irritate myself when that happens because you will lose anything
you've been working on but haven't saved yet. :-(
As long as they get in the habit of saving regularly, there shouldn't be a
problem. Now POS is another thing entirely. Knowing what I know about
wireless(since I've been using it for so long)I would never connect POS
machines to the network wirelessly. The technology just isn't good enough
yet for that. There's a lot to consider about other equipment in the store
also. For instance, cordless phones will mess you up if you get the same
frequency as your network.
Craig

>I have a prospect who is planning on implementing RMS on a 3-register

>system,

> but does not want to use a regular Ethernet wired network in their store

> (small space, and don't want to have to run wires); they want to operate

> using a wireless router and each register connected using USB wireless

> adapters.

> I am VERY leery about using RMS on a wireless network. RMS gets really

> cranky if it loses it's network / database connection for even a moment.

> The

> POS application will switch over to offline mode, but it can be a hassle

> to

> know when that's happened and to recover from it.

> Also, Store Ops Manager does not have a offline mode, so you can't work

> disconnected from the main RMS database and sync up later. I'm worried

> that

> they could be in the middle of entering information, drop the wireless

> connection, and lose what they've entered but haven't saved yet.

> I would be very curious to know other people's experiences with using RMS

> on

> a wireless network as a full-time implementation.

> --

> Bill Yater

> Blue Horseshoe Solutions

> byater@bhsolutions.com

Posted by Bill Yater on October 29, 2009, 1:46 pm

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"I would never connect POS machines to the network wirelessly. "

Unfortunatley, that is exactly what they want to do. Have three machines,
one of which will also be the RMS database server, all of them with wireless
adapters, connected to each other through a wireless router.
To make things even more interesting, their connection to the Internet will
be via a cellular modem plugged into the router (this is a store-on-wheels
that moves from state to state for weekend sales events). In theory, this
will allow them to all share an Internet connection via the cellular modem
for authorizing and settling credit cards, and also for connecting via a VPN
to their Headquarters server.

Needless to say, I'm really concerned about the speed, the security, and the
connectivity between the machines. I can advise them all I want, but they'll
make their decision and my job will be to make it work.

Any suggestions for reducing the difficulty I expect from this configuration?

--
Bill Yater
Blue Horseshoe Solutions
byater@bhsolutions.com

"Craig" wrote:

> Bill,

> I don't use a wireless connection for my register, but I do use it for my

> back office manager program. For the most part it works well. As you noted

> RMS is very cranky about network connectivity, so I will lose the program

> from time to time. It always starts right back up, but can really be a pain

> in the ass if you don't save your work regularly. I still forget sometimes

> and I've been using wireless this way for as long as I've had RMS(9 years),

> I really irritate myself when that happens because you will lose anything

> you've been working on but haven't saved yet. :-(

> As long as they get in the habit of saving regularly, there shouldn't be a

> problem. Now POS is another thing entirely. Knowing what I know about

> wireless(since I've been using it for so long)I would never connect POS

> machines to the network wirelessly. The technology just isn't good enough

> yet for that. There's a lot to consider about other equipment in the store

> also. For instance, cordless phones will mess you up if you get the same

> frequency as your network.

> Craig

> >I have a prospect who is planning on implementing RMS on a 3-register

> >system,

> > but does not want to use a regular Ethernet wired network in their store

> > (small space, and don't want to have to run wires); they want to operate

> > using a wireless router and each register connected using USB wireless

> > adapters.

> >

> > I am VERY leery about using RMS on a wireless network. RMS gets really

> > cranky if it loses it's network / database connection for even a moment.

> > The

> > POS application will switch over to offline mode, but it can be a hassle

> > to

> > know when that's happened and to recover from it.

> > Also, Store Ops Manager does not have a offline mode, so you can't work

> > disconnected from the main RMS database and sync up later. I'm worried

> > that

> > they could be in the middle of entering information, drop the wireless

> > connection, and lose what they've entered but haven't saved yet.

> >

> > I would be very curious to know other people's experiences with using RMS

> > on

> > a wireless network as a full-time implementation.

> >

> > --

> > Bill Yater

> > Blue Horseshoe Solutions

> > byater@bhsolutions.com

> >

Posted by Jeff @ Check Point Software on October 29, 2009, 3:36 pm

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: quoted-printable

Bill,

Can't find the video, but the merchandise trailers at each NASCAR event =
use RMS wirelessly between trailers with a satellite uplink instead of =
the cellular system. Here's a link to D-Link's write-up =
ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/pdfs/caseStudies/cs_ActionPerformance.pdf and =
here's another write-up about it http://tinyurl.com/yksqh44

They certainly don't use the cheap home stuff. Wireless really isn't an =
issue if you spend the money to do it right. =20

--=20

Jeff=20
Check Point Software

Search this newsgroup -- http://tinyurl.com/2lmk4w (Stolen from DRS)
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D

You must be using Outlook Express/Windows Mail or some other type of =
newsgroup reader to
see and download the file attachment(s). If you are not using a reader, =
follow
the link below to setup Outlook Express. Click on "Open with =
newsreader"
under the MS Retail Management System on the right.

http://tinyurl.com/75bgz
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D

"I would never connect POS machines to the network wirelessly. "

Unfortunatley, that is exactly what they want to do. Have three =
machines,=20
one of which will also be the RMS database server, all of them with =
wireless=20
adapters, connected to each other through a wireless router.=20
To make things even more interesting, their connection to the Internet =
will=20
be via a cellular modem plugged into the router (this is a =
store-on-wheels=20
that moves from state to state for weekend sales events). In theory, =
this=20
will allow them to all share an Internet connection via the cellular =
modem=20
for authorizing and settling credit cards, and also for connecting via =
a VPN=20
to their Headquarters server.

Needless to say, I'm really concerned about the speed, the security, =
and the=20
connectivity between the machines. I can advise them all I want, but =
they'll=20
make their decision and my job will be to make it work.

Any suggestions for reducing the difficulty I expect from this =
configuration?

--=20
Bill Yater
Blue Horseshoe Solutions
byater@bhsolutions.com

"Craig" wrote:

> Bill,
> I don't use a wireless connection for my register, but I do use it =
for my=20
> back office manager program. For the most part it works well. As you =
noted=20
> RMS is very cranky about network connectivity, so I will lose the =
program=20
> from time to time. It always starts right back up, but can really be =
a pain=20
> in the ass if you don't save your work regularly. I still forget =
sometimes=20
> and I've been using wireless this way for as long as I've had RMS(9 =
years),=20
> I really irritate myself when that happens because you will lose =
anything=20
> you've been working on but haven't saved yet. :-(
> As long as they get in the habit of saving regularly, there =
shouldn't be a=20
> problem. Now POS is another thing entirely. Knowing what I know =
about=20
> wireless(since I've been using it for so long)I would never connect =
POS=20
> machines to the network wirelessly. The technology just isn't good =
enough=20
> yet for that. There's a lot to consider about other equipment in the =
store=20
> also. For instance, cordless phones will mess you up if you get the =
same=20
> frequency as your network.
> Craig
>=20
> >I have a prospect who is planning on implementing RMS on a =
3-register=20
> >system,
> > but does not want to use a regular Ethernet wired network in their =
store
> > (small space, and don't want to have to run wires); they want to =
operate
> > using a wireless router and each register connected using USB =
wireless
> > adapters.
> >
> > I am VERY leery about using RMS on a wireless network. RMS gets =
really
> > cranky if it loses it's network / database connection for even a =
moment.=20
> > The
> > POS application will switch over to offline mode, but it can be a =
hassle=20
> > to
> > know when that's happened and to recover from it.
> > Also, Store Ops Manager does not have a offline mode, so you can't =
work
> > disconnected from the main RMS database and sync up later. I'm =
worried=20
> > that
> > they could be in the middle of entering information, drop the =
wireless
> > connection, and lose what they've entered but haven't saved yet.
> >
> > I would be very curious to know other people's experiences with =
using RMS=20
> > on
> > a wireless network as a full-time implementation.
> >
> > --=20
> > Bill Yater
> > Blue Horseshoe Solutions
> > byater@bhsolutions.com
> >=20
>
------=_NextPart_000_0032_01CA5894.5F04BAB0
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Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

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<DIV><FONT color=3D#008000>Bill,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#008000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#008000>Can't find the video, but the merchandise =
trailers at=20
each NASCAR event use RMS wirelessly between trailers with a satellite =
uplink=20
instead of the cellular system.  Here's a link to D-Link's write-up =
<A=20
title=3D"ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/pdfs/caseStudies/cs_ActionPerformance.pdf&=
#10;CTRL + Click to follow link"=20
href=3D"ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/pdfs/caseStudies/cs_ActionPerformance.pdf">=
ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/pdfs/caseStudies/cs_ActionPerformance.pdf</A> =
=20
and here's another write-up about it <A=20
title=3D"http://tinyurl.com/yksqh44
CTRL + Click to follow link"=20
href=3D"http://tinyurl.com/yksqh44">http://tinyurl.com/yksqh44</A></FONT>=
</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#008000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#008000>They certainly don't use the cheap home =
stuff. =20
Wireless really isn't an issue if you spend the money to do it =
right. =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#008000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV>-- <BR><BR>Jeff <BR>Check Point Software</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Search this newsgroup -- <A=20
title=3D"http://tinyurl.com/2lmk4w
CTRL + Click to follow link"=20
href=3D"http://tinyurl.com/2lmk4w">http://tinyurl.com/2lmk4w</A>  =
(Stolen=20
from =
DRS)<BR>=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>You must be using Outlook Express/Windows Mail or some other type =
of=20
newsgroup reader to<BR>see and download the file attachment(s).  If =
you are=20
not using a reader, follow<BR>the link below to setup Outlook =
Express. =20
Click on "Open with newsreader"<BR>under the MS Retail Management System =
on the=20
right.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><A title=3D"http://tinyurl.com/75bgz
CTRL + Click to follow =
link"=20
href=3D"http://tinyurl.com/75bgz">http://tinyurl.com/75bgz</A><BR>=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE=20
style=3D"BORDER-LEFT: #008000 2px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; =
PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV>"Bill Yater" <<A=20
=
.microsoft.com</A>>=20
wrote in message <A=20
=
A8BE5-D0B7-46DE-91A3-AA834535601A@microsoft.com</A>...</DIV>"I=20
would never connect POS machines to the network wirelessly.=20
"<BR><BR>Unfortunatley, that is exactly what they want to do. Have =
three=20
machines, <BR>one of which will also be the RMS database server, all =
of them=20
with wireless <BR>adapters, connected to each other through a wireless =
router.=20
<BR>To make things even more interesting, their connection to the =
Internet=20
will <BR>be via a cellular modem plugged into the router (this is a=20
store-on-wheels <BR>that moves from state to state for weekend sales =
events).=20
In theory, this <BR>will allow them to all share an Internet =
connection via=20
the cellular modem <BR>for authorizing and settling credit cards, and =
also for=20
connecting via a VPN <BR>to their Headquarters server.<BR><BR>Needless =
to say,=20
I'm really concerned about the speed, the security, and the =
<BR>connectivity=20
between the machines. I can advise them all I want, but they'll =
<BR>make their=20
decision and my job will be to make it work.<BR><BR>Any suggestions =
for=20
reducing the difficulty I expect from this configuration?<BR><BR>-- =
<BR>Bill=20
Yater<BR>Blue Horseshoe Solutions<BR><A=20
=
<BR><BR>"Craig"=20
wrote:<BR><BR>> Bill,<BR>> I don't use a wireless connection for =
my=20
register, but I do use it for my <BR>> back office manager program. =
For the=20
most part it works well. As you noted <BR>> RMS is very cranky =
about=20
network connectivity, so I will lose the program <BR>> from time to =
time.=20
It always starts right back up, but can really be a pain <BR>> in =
the ass=20
if you don't save your work regularly. I still forget sometimes =
<BR>> and=20
I've been using wireless this way for as long as I've had RMS(9 =
years),=20
<BR>> I really irritate myself when that happens because you will =
lose=20
anything <BR>> you've been working on but haven't saved yet. =
:-(<BR>> As=20
long as they get in the habit of saving regularly, there shouldn't be =
a=20
<BR>> problem. Now POS is another thing entirely. Knowing what I =
know about=20
<BR>> wireless(since I've been using it for so long)I would never =
connect=20
POS <BR>> machines to the network wirelessly. The technology just =
isn't=20
good enough <BR>> yet for that. There's a lot to consider about =
other=20
equipment in the store <BR>> also. For instance, cordless phones =
will mess=20
you up if you get the same <BR>> frequency as your network.<BR>> =

Craig<BR>> <BR>> "Bill Yater" <<A=20
=
.microsoft.com</A>>=20
wrote in message <BR>> <A=20
=
7ACE8-1F48-41FD-BE67-4D897F87C8CA@microsoft.com</A>...<BR>>=20
>I have a prospect who is planning on implementing RMS on a =
3-register=20
<BR>> >system,<BR>> > but does not want to use a regular =
Ethernet=20
wired network in their store<BR>> > (small space, and don't want =
to have=20
to run wires); they want to operate<BR>> > using a wireless =
router and=20
each register connected using USB wireless<BR>> > =
adapters.<BR>>=20
><BR>> > I am VERY leery about using RMS on a wireless =
network. RMS=20
gets really<BR>> > cranky if it loses it's network / database =
connection=20
for even a moment. <BR>> > The<BR>> > POS application will =
switch=20
over to offline mode, but it can be a hassle <BR>> > to<BR>> =
>=20
know when that's happened and to recover from it.<BR>> > Also, =
Store Ops=20
Manager does not have a offline mode, so you can't work<BR>> >=20
disconnected from the main RMS database and sync up later. I'm worried =

<BR>> > that<BR>> > they could be in the middle of =
entering=20
information, drop the wireless<BR>> > connection, and lose what =
they've=20
entered but haven't saved yet.<BR>> ><BR>> > I would be =
very=20
curious to know other people's experiences with using RMS <BR>> =
>=20
on<BR>> > a wireless network as a full-time =
implementation.<BR>>=20
><BR>> > -- <BR>> > Bill Yater<BR>> > Blue =
Horseshoe=20
Solutions<BR>> > <A=20
=
>=20
<BR>></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>

------=

Posted by Craig on October 30, 2009, 10:05 am

Please log in for more thread options

: quoted-printable

Spend enough money and anything can work well. That's the problem though =
for most of us, we can't afford the best on wireless so there aren't any =
issues, especially with POS. I really don't think using manager on =
wireless is that bad as long as you get into the habit of saving =
frequently. Like I said, I've been doing it for years without much =
problem.=20
I know I can't afford the best stuff, but I don't know Bill's clients =
resources. They may be able to afford anything they need.=20
There is just no way I would ever put the POS machines on a wireless =
network. One tiny little hiccup would drop the program and they would =
have to start it over again. And depending what part of the process they =
where in when it happens, it could be anything from just starting the =
sale over(no big issue), to losing the data and creating a big headache. =

I checked out the electric connect website and it seems you could buy =
the equipment for around $500. Not outrageous, but still can be out of =
reach for a small business just starting. Especially if they need =
installation.
Good luck Bill, I hate it when a customer just won't listen to you, but =
still expects you to do the job efficiently and with no problems. Even =
when you warn them that may not be the case. They'll still hold you =
responsible if something goes wrong.
Craig
Bill,

Can't find the video, but the merchandise trailers at each NASCAR =
event use RMS wirelessly between trailers with a satellite uplink =
instead of the cellular system. Here's a link to D-Link's write-up =
ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/pdfs/caseStudies/cs_ActionPerformance.pdf and =
here's another write-up about it http://tinyurl.com/yksqh44

They certainly don't use the cheap home stuff. Wireless really isn't =
an issue if you spend the money to do it right. =20

--=20

Jeff=20
Check Point Software

Search this newsgroup -- http://tinyurl.com/2lmk4w (Stolen from DRS)
=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D

You must be using Outlook Express/Windows Mail or some other type of =
newsgroup reader to
see and download the file attachment(s). If you are not using a =
reader, follow
the link below to setup Outlook Express. Click on "Open with =
newsreader"
under the MS Retail Management System on the right.

http://tinyurl.com/75bgz
=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D

"I would never connect POS machines to the network wirelessly. "

Unfortunatley, that is exactly what they want to do. Have three =
machines,=20
one of which will also be the RMS database server, all of them with =
wireless=20
adapters, connected to each other through a wireless router.=20
To make things even more interesting, their connection to the =
Internet will=20
be via a cellular modem plugged into the router (this is a =
store-on-wheels=20
that moves from state to state for weekend sales events). In theory, =
this=20
will allow them to all share an Internet connection via the cellular =
modem=20
for authorizing and settling credit cards, and also for connecting =
via a VPN=20
to their Headquarters server.

Needless to say, I'm really concerned about the speed, the security, =
and the=20
connectivity between the machines. I can advise them all I want, but =
they'll=20
make their decision and my job will be to make it work.

Any suggestions for reducing the difficulty I expect from this =
configuration?

--=20
Bill Yater
Blue Horseshoe Solutions
byater@bhsolutions.com

"Craig" wrote:

> Bill,
> I don't use a wireless connection for my register, but I do use it =
for my=20
> back office manager program. For the most part it works well. As =
you noted=20
> RMS is very cranky about network connectivity, so I will lose the =
program=20
> from time to time. It always starts right back up, but can really =
be a pain=20
> in the ass if you don't save your work regularly. I still forget =
sometimes=20
> and I've been using wireless this way for as long as I've had =
RMS(9 years),=20
> I really irritate myself when that happens because you will lose =
anything=20
> you've been working on but haven't saved yet. :-(
> As long as they get in the habit of saving regularly, there =
shouldn't be a=20
> problem. Now POS is another thing entirely. Knowing what I know =
about=20
> wireless(since I've been using it for so long)I would never =
connect POS=20
> machines to the network wirelessly. The technology just isn't good =
enough=20
> yet for that. There's a lot to consider about other equipment in =
the store=20
> also. For instance, cordless phones will mess you up if you get =
the same=20
> frequency as your network.
> Craig
>=20
message=20
> >I have a prospect who is planning on implementing RMS on a =
3-register=20
> >system,
> > but does not want to use a regular Ethernet wired network in =
their store
> > (small space, and don't want to have to run wires); they want to =
operate
> > using a wireless router and each register connected using USB =
wireless
> > adapters.
> >
> > I am VERY leery about using RMS on a wireless network. RMS gets =
really
> > cranky if it loses it's network / database connection for even a =
moment.=20
> > The
> > POS application will switch over to offline mode, but it can be =
a hassle=20
> > to
> > know when that's happened and to recover from it.
> > Also, Store Ops Manager does not have a offline mode, so you =
can't work
> > disconnected from the main RMS database and sync up later. I'm =
worried=20
> > that
> > they could be in the middle of entering information, drop the =
wireless
> > connection, and lose what they've entered but haven't saved yet.
> >
> > I would be very curious to know other people's experiences with =
using RMS=20
> > on
> > a wireless network as a full-time implementation.
> >
> > --=20
> > Bill Yater
> > Blue Horseshoe Solutions
> > byater@bhsolutions.com
> >=20
>
------=_NextPart_000_010A_01CA5948.943418C0
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charset="UTF-8"
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<META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html;charset=3Dutf-8>
<META content=3D"MSHTML 6.00.6000.16916" name=3DGENERATOR>
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</HEAD>
<BODY id=3DMailContainerBody=20
style=3D"PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; PADDING-LEFT: 10px; PADDING-TOP: 15px"=20
bgColor=3D#ffffff leftMargin=3D0 topMargin=3D0 name=3D"Compose message =
area"=20
CanvasTabStop=3D"true">
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Spend enough money and anything can =
work well.=20
That's the problem though for most of us, we can't afford the best on =
wireless=20
so there aren't any issues, especially with POS. I really don't think =
using=20
manager on wireless is that bad as long as you get into the habit of =
saving=20
frequently. Like I said, I've been doing it for years without much =
problem.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>I know I can't afford the best stuff, =
but I don't=20
know Bill's clients resources. They may be able to afford anything they =
need.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>There is just no way I would ever put =
the POS=20
machines on a wireless network. One tiny little hiccup would drop the =
program=20
and they would have to start it over again. And depending what part of =
the=20
process they where in when it happens, it could be anything from just =
starting=20
the sale over(no big issue), to losing the data and creating a big =
headache.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>I checked out the electric connect =
website and it=20
seems you could buy the equipment for around $500. Not outrageous, but =
still can=20
be out of reach for a small business just starting. Especially if they =
need=20
installation.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Good luck Bill, I hate it when a =
customer just=20
won't listen to you, but still expects you to do the job efficiently and =
with no=20
problems. Even when you warn them that may not be the case. They'll =
still hold=20
you responsible if something goes wrong.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Craig</FONT></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=3Dltr=20
style=3D"PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; =
BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV>"Jeff @ Check Point Software" <<A=20
in message=20
<A=20
=
352EB-6AB0-4CEB-A652-82C714ADD329@microsoft.com</A>...</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#008000>Bill,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#008000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#008000>Can't find the video, but the merchandise =
trailers at=20
each NASCAR event use RMS wirelessly between trailers with a satellite =
uplink=20
instead of the cellular system.  Here's a link to D-Link's =
write-up <A=20
=
title=3D"ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/pdfs/caseStudies/cs_ActionPerformance.pdf&=
#10;CTRL + Click to follow link"=20
=
href=3D"ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/pdfs/caseStudies/cs_ActionPerformance.pdf">=
ftp://ftp10.dlink.com/pdfs/caseStudies/cs_ActionPerformance.pdf</A> =
=20
and here's another write-up about it <A=20
title=3D"http://tinyurl.com/yksqh44
CTRL + Click to follow link"=20
=
href=3D"http://tinyurl.com/yksqh44">http://tinyurl.com/yksqh44</A></FONT>=
</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#008000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#008000>They certainly don't use the cheap home =
stuff. =20
Wireless really isn't an issue if you spend the money to do it =
right. =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#008000></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV>-- <BR><BR>Jeff <BR>Check Point Software</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Search this newsgroup -- <A=20
title=3D"http://tinyurl.com/2lmk4w
CTRL + Click to follow link"=20
href=3D"http://tinyurl.com/2lmk4w">http://tinyurl.com/2lmk4w</A>  =
(Stolen=20
from =
DRS)<BR>=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>You must be using Outlook Express/Windows Mail or some other type =
of=20
newsgroup reader to<BR>see and download the file attachment(s).  =
If you=20
are not using a reader, follow<BR>the link below to setup Outlook=20
Express.  Click on "Open with newsreader"<BR>under the MS Retail=20
Management System on the right.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><A title=3D"http://tinyurl.com/75bgz
CTRL + Click to follow =
link"=20
=
href=3D"http://tinyurl.com/75bgz">http://tinyurl.com/75bgz</A><BR>=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE=20
style=3D"PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; =
BORDER-LEFT: #008000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV>"Bill Yater" <<A=20
=
.microsoft.com</A>>=20
wrote in message <A=20
=
A8BE5-D0B7-46DE-91A3-AA834535601A@microsoft.com</A>...</DIV>"I=20
would never connect POS machines to the network wirelessly.=20
"<BR><BR>Unfortunatley, that is exactly what they want to do. Have =
three=20
machines, <BR>one of which will also be the RMS database server, all =
of them=20
with wireless <BR>adapters, connected to each other through a =
wireless=20
router. <BR>To make things even more interesting, their connection =
to the=20
Internet will <BR>be via a cellular modem plugged into the router =
(this is a=20
store-on-wheels <BR>that moves from state to state for weekend sales =

events). In theory, this <BR>will allow them to all share an =
Internet=20
connection via the cellular modem <BR>for authorizing and settling =
credit=20
cards, and also for connecting via a VPN <BR>to their Headquarters=20
server.<BR><BR>Needless to say, I'm really concerned about the =
speed, the=20
security, and the <BR>connectivity between the machines. I can =
advise them=20
all I want, but they'll <BR>make their decision and my job will be =
to make=20
it work.<BR><BR>Any suggestions for reducing the difficulty I expect =
from=20
this configuration?<BR><BR>-- <BR>Bill Yater<BR>Blue Horseshoe=20
Solutions<BR><A=20
=
<BR><BR>"Craig"=20
wrote:<BR><BR>> Bill,<BR>> I don't use a wireless connection =
for my=20
register, but I do use it for my <BR>> back office manager =
program. For=20
the most part it works well. As you noted <BR>> RMS is very =
cranky about=20
network connectivity, so I will lose the program <BR>> from time =
to time.=20
It always starts right back up, but can really be a pain <BR>> in =
the ass=20
if you don't save your work regularly. I still forget sometimes =
<BR>> and=20
I've been using wireless this way for as long as I've had RMS(9 =
years),=20
<BR>> I really irritate myself when that happens because you will =
lose=20
anything <BR>> you've been working on but haven't saved yet. =
:-(<BR>>=20
As long as they get in the habit of saving regularly, there =
shouldn't be a=20
<BR>> problem. Now POS is another thing entirely. Knowing what I =
know=20
about <BR>> wireless(since I've been using it for so long)I would =
never=20
connect POS <BR>> machines to the network wirelessly. The =
technology just=20
isn't good enough <BR>> yet for that. There's a lot to consider =
about=20
other equipment in the store <BR>> also. For instance, cordless =
phones=20
will mess you up if you get the same <BR>> frequency as your=20
network.<BR>> Craig<BR>> <BR>> "Bill Yater" <<A=20
=
.microsoft.com</A>>=20
wrote in message <BR>> <A=20
=
7ACE8-1F48-41FD-BE67-4D897F87C8CA@microsoft.com</A>...<BR>>=20
>I have a prospect who is planning on implementing RMS on a =
3-register=20
<BR>> >system,<BR>> > but does not want to use a regular =

Ethernet wired network in their store<BR>> > (small space, and =
don't=20
want to have to run wires); they want to operate<BR>> > using =
a=20
wireless router and each register connected using USB =
wireless<BR>> >=20
adapters.<BR>> ><BR>> > I am VERY leery about using RMS =
on a=20
wireless network. RMS gets really<BR>> > cranky if it loses =
it's=20
network / database connection for even a moment. <BR>> > =
The<BR>>=20
> POS application will switch over to offline mode, but it can be =
a=20
hassle <BR>> > to<BR>> > know when that's happened and =
to=20
recover from it.<BR>> > Also, Store Ops Manager does not have =
a=20
offline mode, so you can't work<BR>> > disconnected from the =
main RMS=20
database and sync up later. I'm worried <BR>> > that<BR>> =
> they=20
could be in the middle of entering information, drop the =
wireless<BR>>=20
> connection, and lose what they've entered but haven't saved=20
yet.<BR>> ><BR>> > I would be very curious to know other =

people's experiences with using RMS <BR>> > on<BR>> > a =
wireless=20
network as a full-time implementation.<BR>> ><BR>> > -- =
<BR>>=20
> Bill Yater<BR>> > Blue Horseshoe Solutions<BR>> > =
<A=20
=
>=20
<BR>></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>

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