Using a hosted service for RMS

Can this be done? Can Store operations be ran from 3 separate locations that are all attached to one server? Each location would have it's own store ops license. If it can be done can MSDE handle that? In other words if their are

3 databases on the hosting server running MSDE can all three stores attach to the corresponding databases through MSDE? Some of the issues that concern me are that Store Ops needs to be ran locally on each machine that uses it so there is still maintenence to be done locally. Would Store OPs need to be installed 3 times on that server and can that be done? OR could Store Ops be installed once on the server and all three licenses Stores just point to the corresponding database? Sorry about this.

Pat

Store Ops would not have to be installed on the host server at all. All you are really sharing is the database server. What you are asking is technically feasible, but would not be a recommended configuration. RMS Store Ops and Headquarters are set up to provide maximum uptime at the register. It does this by making each store a stand alone entity, connecting to HQ to share data only occasionally, and by putting an 'offline' database local to the register. This arrangement keeps the Store running normally in the event of a dropped internet connection and keeps the registers running in the event of a LAN failure. The arrangement you are asking about takes away a big part of that redundancy and places a much higher reliance on your WAN.

If you decide to do this, and I'm recommending that you don't, use SQL Server, not MSDE.