• Database Requirements
  
  Store Operations requires Microsoft SQL Server for its database storage. SQL Server can run on the same machine as Store Operations or on a dedicated database server for higher performance. The vast majority of retailers are small- to medium-size without the budget or technical expertise to set up and maintain database servers. For this reason, Store Operations comes with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE 2000). This allows retailers to start with a robust database engine even on desktop PCs.
  
  Note: SQL Server 2000 has its own hardware requirements. Learn more.

• Processor
  
  300 MHz Intel Pentium (PIII) or higher compatible CPU (Pentium 4 recommended)
• Memory
  
  64 MB of RAM (128MB or higher recommended)
• Hard Disk Space
  
  50 MB of available hard disk space for Store Operations application and files. Note: At least 1 GB is needed of available hard disk space on the server for Store Operations database and future growth.
• CD-ROM Drive
• VGA (800x600) or higher-resolution monitor with 256 colors for POS application; VGA (1024x768) or higher resolution for Manager Application
• Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

• At Each Store
  
  Each store must be running Microsoft Retail Management System's Store Operations software and able to connect to HQ via either the Internet, virtual private network (VPN), ISDN, or wide area network (WAN). You need to install the HQ Remote Client program at each store. HQ Remote Client can run on the same computer as the one used for Store Operations. Most operations use a back office computer equipped with a modem for communications to the head office.
• At the Head Office
  
  At the head office, you need to install the HQ Communications Server program on a computer equipped with the proper communications gear (the Internet, VPN, ISDN, WAN, etc.) to receive data from stores.

• Processor
  
  300 MHz Intel Pentium (PIII) or higher compatible CPU (Pentium 4 recommended)
• Memory
  
  128 MB of RAM (256 MB or higher recommended)
• Hard Disk Space
  
  60 MB of available hard disk space for Headquarters application and files. Note: At least 1 GB is needed of available hard disk space on the server for Headquarters database and future growth.
• Network Card
  
  32-bit
• CD-ROM Drive
• VGA (800x600) or higher-resolution monitor with 256 colors for POS application; VGA (1024x768) or higher resolution for Manager Application
• Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

• Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later
• Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later
• Microsoft Windows Embedded for Point of Service (Store Operations only)
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 or later

• Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) 2.7 Service Pack 1
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 with Service Pack 1
• Microsoft Directory Services Client

One machine on the network must act as the database server. This computer must also have SQL Server 2000 with Service Pack 4 or MSDE 2000 with Service Pack 4 installed.

Note: Service packs are the means by which product updates are distributed. They keep the product current and extend and update functionality. Prior to each release of Microsoft Retail Management System, Microsoft tests it using the latest operating systems, database engines, and other required software components that are available at the time.

Microsoft makes every effort to test any new service pack that is released. However, you should contact Microsoft Business Solutions Support or have your partner visit PartnerSource prior to installing later releases and service packs to make sure they are compatible with Microsoft Retail Management System.