multi store connection problems

Most multi stores connect thru very old technology using dial up or dedicated phone lines and multiplexers ( to join and re-split the various lines to terminals & printers.

Newer technology uses the Internet and boxes called jetstreams to do the job of multiplexers. We have several problems with jetstreams and to make matters worse - Activant doesn't want to stock a replacement in Canada - delaying our repairs by a day and a half when it clears customs.

We have recently found out that the routers used set up a VPN tunnel from the branch store to the main store - this has been a problem at times as well - and takes a systematic process to shut down and re-start to see if it solves the problem

Further -- we have found out that we can TELNET from the multi-view PC emulations (forget this if you use dumb green terminals) --and we are also looking at testing the linking of a serial printer to a host PC

This is all very brief-- it only applies to multi-stores with internet connections -- stay tuned ...