Yes, we have done this for other clients as outlined below, so I think this information may be helpful to you.
Yes, we have chains of up to 13 stores that use our software, and we do have provisions for remote access. One simple solution is to put PC Anywhere on each store computer. This kills several birds with one stone:
(1) We can offer a higher level of remote support, training and program updates
(2) Each store can be accessed from the main business office, and even from home and on the road
(3) Each store's database can be copied to the main business location, which in effect backs up the other stores. Of course the computer the files are downloaded to needs to be backed up, and an off-site backup of all data files is imperative.
(4) Once the store databases are centralized on one computer system, Title Loan Professional will allow any store database to be opened, and reports can be run, and accounts can be viewed, etc. If each store has its own "live" computer system, changes should not be made on the centralized system, however. Changes should always be made to the live system. However, if remote changes need to be made, you can use PC Anywhere to log into the remote store computer, and then you can make data changes and do just about anything the remote store users can do.
So you have two features for the price of one:
(1) downloading store databases for centralized backup, reporting and viewing, and
(2) remote access for "real-time" data entry and corrections
If you want a real-time network, this can be done, but it involves setting up a full-time VPN (Virtual Private Network), and if the internet or VPN connection goes down, all remote stores go down also. So the approach of having independent live systems that can be centralized for reporting and viewing accounts often makes sense for the following reasons:
Internet problems don't take down all remote stores
Speed is much better with an in-store network (LAN-Local Area Network) rather than a VPN
The cost of an in-store network is generally less than a VPN
VPNs cost more to set up and are more complicated when things "go wrong"
Some of our larger clients use VPNs, but data entry can be very slow at times, and there are times when users can't log in, get disconnected without being able to close active windows (which can cause data loss or data corruption), etc.