Defining your In-Store Database

When configuring the in-store database, consider the stores Internet connection speed, and the amount of disk-space available on the POS and back-office file server. You choose between the following types of store connections: “semi-connected” and “virtual.”

Semi-connected stores connect to the central database for updates to the database. A semi-connected store queries the in-store database for gift card approvals. A semi-connected store requires enough hard-drive space that storage is not an issue should your gift card database become large. With a semi-connected store you configure the in-store database, redundancy settings, purge thresholds, auto-approve thresholds, and synchronization settings.

Virtual stores query the central database to authorize gift card transactions. The gift card database resides only at the central site. The store processes gift cards in real-time and updates the central database in real-time. A virtual store requires a high-speed Internet connection, such as a digital subscriber line (DSL). With a virtual store you configure the auto-approve thresholds for gift cards.

If you select one of the first three options, your store is semi-connected; otherwise, the store is a virtual store. Select one of the following options on the In-Store Database tab:

•	The database will include all gift cards available for redemption

•	The database will include gift cards sold in a replication group

•	The database will include gift cards sold at the local store

•	The database is virtual and resides at the central site only