Hi Gene.
Ok, let's go by parts...What do You mean by multiple backend store servers? RMS is one-database-per-store application, and You can't split the database... You may play on the SQL level, having the data files and log files in separate locations, but still… Also, You can obviously, put two (or more) store databases in the same location, but then this will make the things complicated in terms of inventory, returns, communications, etc., etc.,..
For the scenario You describes, I would definitely have one big database-server and one smaller communication server (for the RMS HQ Client Component, updates from the HQ, etc., etc.,..). On the number of POS attacking one server database, don’t think there is a limitation in number of POS machines, but You will need to have real data to evaluate (number of transactions per hour / day, cashiers, users, items per ticket, how fast the database is incrementing, how many master data updating from the HQ, etc., etc.,…). I have a customer, Marks & Spencer franchise store, with 10 very busy POS lines and they are using a simple back office server with SQL Server Express!!! So, I don’t say it won’t work, but You need more information to evaluate. Maybe the Microsoft guys can give you more details (I remember there was a case study with Tesco, with huge number of transactions per min…).
I would definitely recommend an SQL Server expert on the case, for the optimization of the whole implementation. Also, take a look at the off-line-database, standard RMS option, for some of the POS lines, who do not need constant master data update (fast-food corner or similar) and can work independently and sync the sales at the end of the day for example. It will definitely get some pressure off of the database server… Also, if the database is big (a lot of Items, users, transactions, etc., etc.,..) forget about simple POS HW with 1 GB RAM…
At the end, You may also want to have a look at LS Retail solution, could also fit in this scenario…
Few fast thoughts on what you wrote, hope they will be helpful for You… Don’t hesitate to contact me directly if You need more help…
Kind regards, A.
