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RECON 3 Installation and Setup FAQs
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    RECON 3 Installation and Setup FAQs

    by RetailEdge Moderator » Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:10 am

    This information supercedes all other RECON installation instructions on this forum.

    What is the RECON 3 System Architecture?

    There are two parts to RECON 3, RECON 3 Server and RECON 3 Client. RECON 3 Server is installed on a computer at the main location. RECON 3 Client is installed on each main and satellite location computer that has the RetailEdge Data Server. RECON 3 Client at the satellite locations communicate with the RECON 3 Server at the Main location at a adjustable interval via SSL (Secure Sockets Layer - the same secure protocol required for transactions on web stores).

    What are the RECON 3 Internet Connection Requirements?

    You will need high speed internet access at each location and you should have a fixed/static IP at each location. The main location needs a static IP so that the RECON 3 client(s) at the satellite location(s) know what address to use to contact the RECON 3 Server. The satellite locations need one so that the RECON 3 Server can be setup to only allow access from the Client Addresses. At this time, at Static IP costs only about $15-$20/month. If you can't get fixed IPs, you can setup secure VPNs (and this is really what we recommend) between locations and have the routers manage the connection. Then we only need an internal non addressable IP to communicate between the satellite and main locations.

    Do I Need a Dedicated Server Machine in Each Location to Run RECON 3?

    No. The computer at the main location can also serve as the RetailEdge workstation so you don't need a dedicated server or separate machines for the RECON 3 Server. However, the performance of this station may not be what you would like it to be if you are also using it as a workstation. RECON 3 Client will be synchronizing data from your other locations every 5-10 minutes. So depending on the amount of data going back and forth and the processing capability of this machine, you may experience degraded workstation performance during the synchronization cycles. Many people do use the computer with the RECON 3 Server as the RetailEdge workstation, many do not. If you are going to be running more that about 5 locations you might want to consider moving RECON 3 Server to a separate machine.

    Are there Advantaged to having a Dedicated Machine for the RECON 3 Server?

    The advantages to having a dedicated server for RECON 3 are:

    a. Security. RetailEdge Data Server and RECON 3 both work as services which means that you can have a dedicated server box that does not have anyone logged in and can be tightened down in terms of internet security. Also it won't be running other applications (like e-mail, web browsers) that increase the threat of downloading malware or viruses onto the machine.
    b. Stability. If RetailEdge Data Server and RECON 3 are sitting on a dedicated box, then you don't have the risk that someone will be running other applications on the box and crashing out the system.

    Note: When we are talking about a dedicated box we are not talking about a machine sold as a server machine. This can simply be something that meets the RECON requirement and is a good quality desktop machine.

    What are the Router Requirements?

    The RetailEdge Data server listen on ports 12005-12008. The RECON 3 Server listens on port 12010. You need to have your routers port forward these ports to the internal address of the machine where the RetailEdge Data Server or RECON 3 Server resides. In addition, we will need any additional ports open while we do the installation. Typically this we use Remote Desktop for this access (port 3389 by default), but if you have a LogMeIn or GoToMyPC or Citrix Client account, we can use these for the remote access. LogMeIn and GoToMyPC are good options when your ISP may be blocking ports and preventing access through their routers. However, they do cost money for an account and Remote Desktop is free with XP Pro and Vista Business OSs.

    How Often Does RECON 3 Synchronize?

    RECON 3 synchronization cycles can be adjusted but typically the synchronization occurs every 5 or 10 minutes.

    What do I get when I Purchase RECON 3?

    1. Free Installation and Setup by us.
    2. 90 days of Free technical support after installation (M-F 9:00 - 5:00 Eastern) with automatic synchronization monitoring and e-mail notification.
    3. Utilities that automatically check your RetailEdge Point of Sale databases every night and will automatically repair any damaged tables.
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