Single location, multiple POS terminals

A small restaurant with service staff carrying handheld POS devices is an example of single location, multiple POS terminals architecture.  In such a setup, typically the POS database is separated out to run on a central server/computer that can be sited in the same restaurant office/main counter (this is also called locally hosted).  Each mobile POS device is connected over a wireless LAN so that there is always updated data communication with the common central server.

As business grows, the restaurant owner may consider setting up more outlets.  In this situation, he will need to consider how he can share the common POS database with the other branch outlets.  The communication links with the multiple POS terminals is now beyond the local LAN network.  Communication over an internet connection is one possible solution; and a centralised Web based POS should be evaluated.