Traditional software programs run on Local Area Networks (LAN). This means that each workstation must be physically connected to the File Server where the data is stored. The software running on the workstation interacts with the data on the File Server. This is called "Two-Tier" or standard "Client Server" architecture.

Multi Tier Architecture involves the introduction of three software layers:
1. The Workstation (or Thin Client) where the user interacts with the program
2. The Application Server where data is calculated and processed
3. The Server where the data is stored (eg MS SQL Server)

Typically the database server and the application server are installed on the one computer. For single workstation sites you can install all three tiers on the one computer.

With Multi Tier systems much of the data processing and business logic reside on the Application Server (the Middle-Tier Server). The Application Server communicates directly with the Database Server (the Third Tier), processes this information and then delivers the processed information to the Client (the First Tier).

Data Caching. When the Thin Client Workstation requests high volumes of data (such as viewing or printing a long list of customers) not only is the data compressed, but it is also cached (or held) on the Application Server so that data is only transmitted as it is required. This means that the user can instantly view or print the first few records without waiting for the entire list to be transmitted. It also reduces the impact of large data requests on the rest of the network.

Multi-Site Connectivity. Another very important feature of this Multi Tier Architecture is the ability to interconnect multiple branch office application servers via the Internet. The same compressed transaction data that is sent from the Thin Client Workstation to the Application Server can also be forwarded from the Application Server to another Application Server (typically a Head Office Application Server).

Of course using the same technology, information can also be passed back from the head office server to any of the branch office servers. For example you can set up stock pricing at the head office that is instantly updated to all branch offices.

Fault Tolerant. Unlike other so-called Live Internet based multi-site technologies, Espresso Financial's Multi Tier technology is tolerant of Internet connection outages. If the Internet is temporarily disconnected for some reason, data that is to be transmitted between application servers is archived. When the connection is restored the data is resynchronised to its destination. This powerful feature means that branch offices can continue with full, uninterrupted operation, whether or not the Internet is connected.

Be Anywhere. With the Thin Client Interface you can connect to any branch office from anywhere in the world. For example a financial controller can gain access to the enterprise wide financials from any computer connected to the Internet, including any of the workstations at any of the branch offices. This feature is also perfect for work-at-home staff.

Inter-branch Enquiries. A real benefit of having live multi site connectivity is the ability to perform inter-branch enquiries. For example if one branch is out of stock of a particular item they can query head office (which has a live replica of all stock balances) to find out which branches have the item in stock.

With this extremely powerful feature, your staff will spend less time ringing around looking for stock and more time getting on with serving customers.

Real-Time Offsite Backup. A side benefit of this Multi Tier Technology is that with all transactions being replicated to Head Office you have a fully automated real-time offsite backup for all Branch Office Data. The same concept can be applied to the head office server so that it can be backed up as well. This is just another way in which Espresso Financials offers the ultimate in data security.

Espresso Financials is Scaleable. With its clustering technology, Espresso Financials is without doubt one of the most scaleable accounting systems available. Clustering is all about using two or more Servers to share the same job. In the case of Espresso Financials you can not only cluster the Microsoft SQL Database Server but you can also cluster the Espresso Financials Application Server. With this technology Espresso Financials can support hundreds of Branch Offices with thousands of workstations. This amazing technology means that the same user-friendly interface is available whether you manage a single shop or a chain of stores.

Automatic Updates. There is one more benefit that this Multi Tier Architecture provides, and that is an automatic software update facility. Just like Microsoft's update facility for Windows, we use this multi tier technology to transmit new versions of the software directly to your Application Server. From there the Application Server automatically installs new Thin Client Workstation software.

Click on the following links for more information:

Compare Multi-Site Technologies

Compare Thin-Client Technologies

Benefits

•   Scaleable from Single Store to Chain Of Stores with same software
•   Thin Client Access from any computer anywhere
•   Accountants link via Thin Client
•   Centrally Control Inventory and Pricing
•   Internet Based Multi-Site Connectivity
•   Real-Time Inter-Branch Enquiries
•   Real-Time Offsite Backup
•   Real-Time Enterprise Wide Financial Reporting and Analysis
•   Automatic Software Updates