BookingCenter works in a networked architecture so that there can be 'clients' and a 'server'. This allows for multiple people to work BookingCenter concurrently and for the server to utilize the network efficiently to process credit cards and communicate with the Central Reservation Server. Only ONE PC can connect to the BookingCenter Service to manage rates and availability - this computer is called the 'Network Manager'. This one PC becomes the Management Computer that will be synchronizing rate, inventory, and content with the BookingCenter Central Reservation Service.

Network Multiple Machines Using BookingCenter

Learn about Networking BookingCenter Software for Macintosh and PC networks by clicking here.

Setting up the Broadband or Satellite Connection

There are many ways to setup a broadband Internet connection for your business - and BookingCenter recommends using a qualified networking professional to do so. Visit http://www.bookingcenter.com/reseller.html to see about finding a qualified Reseller of BookingCenter in your area.

Generally, using a broadband connection with BookingCenter is no different than using the connection for any other program such as a web browser or email. However, the information here is meant to explain information specific to the broadband connection you are using. Once your network is working - i.e., you can connect all computers to the BookingCenter datafile on the server - there should be no trouble using BookingCenter in an automated way.

Satellite/Broadband Issues

Of all the satellite systems we know of, Starband is good & reliable satellite and has been used successfully by BookingCenter for years. Here are a few items to consider when setting up a Starband satellite - or any broadband - system (note - these suggestions may/may not be relevant to your implementation).

To run Starband you will need a Windows PC - the Macintosh does not work, although we have heard that folks do use VirtualPC ton Macintosh to run Starband and Direct PC systems. Personally, for a professional setup, I would NOT use a Mac as the gateway device until one of the satellite systems makes a Mac system.

Get yourself a PC (must be Windows, and it can be an older model) to act as a 'gateway' machine. This is the PC that will connect to the Starband. Use the USB connection from the Satellite modem to your PC, as this will free up your Ethernet connection on the computer for the LAN (Local Area Network) you want to use.

You may need to purchase proxysoftware by Osits if you are using Starband (http://www.ositis.com/english/downloads/dl_revision_info_en.asp) to make the computers network. Alternatively, you can use the Win 2000 or XP "Internet Sharing" system. A local networking person can tell you which will be easier to support. This will allow the other computers on your Network to use the Satellite computer as the gateway to the Internet.

You have two basic choices to network from the Satellite/broadband PC:

1. Use wireless network cards for your laptops/desktops to free yourselves from cables.
2. Use network cables (called CAT-5 10BASET cables) to wire from a hub to your separate computers.

Either way, you will connect the LAN to the 'Gateway' machine's 10BASET (Ethernet) port. This 'Gateway' machine is the PC connected to satellite/broadband connection. The gateway PC will never be shut down and will allow you to use the satellite/broadband intelligently.

Specific for satellite users, having a 'gateway' PC allows you to operate a local network that provides acceleration for your satellite network. This acceleration is what you will NEED to use the system every day without pulling your hair out! Satellite systems without acceleration can drive you crazy and SHOULD NOT be used for mission-critical networking applications like BookingCenter. However, if the satellite/broadband user puts the 'gateway' PC together the right way, all will work well.

HTTP tunnel program

The three satellite systems BookingCenter knows most about: Starband, Direcway, and DirectPC, all require an HTTP 'tunneling program' in order to use email and FTP consistently. These 'tunneling' programs allow you to setup your network so that

FTP Direcway Userswnloads fail after the first download or there are long delays before downloading occurs
Either of these FTP problems may occur if your FTP client is not configured in passive mode or passive transfer mode (PASV). When your FTP client is configured to use passive mode, all connection requests are handled by the client. The passive mode option is usually found under the Advanced or Firewall settings of the FTP client.

Macintosh-specific issues

If you are using a Macintosh network for BookingCenter and want to use a satellite provider, you will need to purchase a PC as your 'gateway' device. his PC will run a copy of BookingCenter and become the "Network Manager", transferring all files between your local BookingCenter datafile and the BookingCenter Central Reservation Server. However, your Mac and the PC must be able to connect to the datafile simultaneously.

The best way to do this is to place the datafile on the PC server and connect the Macs to this datafile as their 'default datafile'. You will need a separate software to run Appletalk to connect to the PC - we recommend PC MacLan from Miramar Systems. Simply install the PC MacLan on the PC, turning the PC into a file server. Now the PC acts as the 'Network Manager' and all the Macs look to it to serve the BookingCenter datafile. Easy!

If you have any additional questions about networking BookingCenter, please read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).