How do I Network BookingCenter on Multiple Machines ?
Networking BookingCenter on Multiple Machines (for Version 6 and later) BookingCenter works in a networked architecture so that there can be 'clients' and a 'server'. This allows for multiple people to work BookingCenter concurrently and for the server to utilize the network efficiently to process credit cards and communicate with the Central Reservation Server. Only ONE PC can connect to the BookingCenter Service to poll rates and availability - this computer is called the 'Network Manager'. This one PC becomes the Management Computer that will be synchronizing rate, inventory, and content with the BookingCenter Central Reservation Service. If you are running any Windows network OR Macintosh OSX from 10.5 OR later (OS names of Tiger or Leopard) OR Mac OS7, 8, or 9 then networking is fast and easy. Instructions for simple networking are found at: http://www.BookingCenter.com/help/network_bc.html. If you are running OS X 10.1 through 10.4 for Mac OS, then it is REQUIRED to use a networking technique called ODB (Omnis DataBridge). Because earlier versions of Mac OS X need assistance with networking, if you are using these versions of OS X then your networking needs are explained at: http://www.BookingCenter.com/help/network_odb.html. Windows or Macintosh OSX users from 10.5 or later (OS names of Tiger or Leopard) can OPTIONALLY choose to use ODB or not. The decision will rest on the confidence and integrity of your Client <--> Server network. If your network is using wired Ethernet (as opposed to wireless); the PCs all have good network cards; the Server is a good PC with good hard drives, then the Windows OS will provide a stable read/write support for the file server and no ODB is required. Instructions for networking Windows PCs without ODB are found at: http://www.BookingCenter.com/help/network_bc.html. If you choose to install ODB, we recommend working with a network administrator to establish your network, as sharing and assigning IP addresses on a network requires more skill than many hospitality people possess. If any of the above conditions are NOT present on your Windows network (such as PCs connecting to each other via wireless), then BookingCenter highly recommends installing the ODB for Windows on the Server. However, BookingCenter will not setup your ODB network for you. This work must be done by a qualified network administrator. Even if you have a current Support Contract, it is outside the expertise of BookingCenter Support staff to configure an ODB network unless an on-site training and installation contract is purchased. Don't worry, though! We have provided clear and complete instructions and an average user with PC networking skills should be able to accomplish the ODB setup in about 30 minutes. Instructions for networking your Windows Desktop using ODB clients are at: http://www.BookingCenter.com/help/network_odb.html. The ODB Instructions are attached to this KnowledgeBase article and can be downloaded by clicking below. The file is a .PDF type called 'ODB.pdf". Learn more details about Networking BookingCenter Software for Macintosh and PC networks by visiting: http://www.bookingcenter.com/help/network_bc.html
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