Connecting to Remote Server
When you launch Big Business Client it displays any locally available Big Business Server on the Available tab. To connect to a remote Server enter a Name and IP Address on the Custom tab.
This Solution provides instructions for connecting to Big Business Server from a remote Client. (5528)
To connect to a Big Business Server outside of your local network:
1. Launch Big Business Client while holding the Option key (on a Mac, or launch and immediately hold the Alt key on a Windows PC)
2. On the Connection dialog, click the Custom tab
3. Enter any name and the Server's IP address.
4. Click the OK button to connect.
5. Wait while resource files are copied from the server, which may be a few minutes.
If the connection fails:
6. Check your Network settings.
7. Check with your network administrator that Ports 19813 and 19814 are open if a Firewall is in place.
If performance is too slow:
8. Verify the connection speed on both ends. Most important are the downstream speed on the remote end, and the upstream speed on the Server end.
9. Consider remote desktop options like RDC, TeamViewer, etc.
If you need help:
10. Big Business Support includes unlimited setup help. Call or email to support@bigbusiness.com for assistance.
Turning Off Sleep (macOS)
Allowing your client or server computer to go to Sleep may lose the connection, and you may lose work in progress.
Sleeping Clients is a new feature in Big Business 11 that does allow Clients to Sleep and resume without restarting the application.
This solution describes turning off Sleep on macOS computers to avoid problems. (3524)
We recommend setting the Energy Control Panel on any Mac used for Big Business to Never go to Sleep. If you update System software, Default settings may be restored.
To set your Mac to Never go to Sleep:
1. Open the Energy Saver Control Panel
2. Click the checkbox for Prevent Computer From Sleeping Automatically
3. Close the Energy Saver Control Panel
Sleeping Clients is a new feature in Big Business 11 that does allow Clients to Sleep and resume without restarting the application.
Getting Started with Big Business Server
Getting Started with Big Business Server (2573)
Getting started with Big Business Server is easy. Installation takes just a few minutes. You use simple dialog boxes to set up the program with your company data. If you choose, Big Business Server can automatically set up almost everything. You can also import data from other programs.
This manual is an addendum to the Big Business User’s Guide. It leads you through installing Big Business Server on both the client and server machines. It also discusses the exclusive features of Big Business Server that are not mentioned in the Big Business User’s Guide.
This chapter explains how to install and set up the software. After you finish this chapter, you’ll be ready to start working with Big Business.
Installing Big Business Server on Windows
Installing Big Business Server on Windows (2582)
The installation program places Big Business Server on your hard disk in a location that you specify. You can use the folder name that Big Business suggests, or enter one of your own.
To install Big Business Server on your Windows machine:
1. Download and run the Big Business Server for Windows Installer.
2. Follow the onscreen prompts using the default settings or the settings you want.
3. Wait while Big Business Server installs
Choose to Start Big Business Server on the final screen, or look for the Big Business Server Shortcut on your desktop and double-click to start.
Big Business Server for Windows
Big Business Server for Windows (3658)
This Chapter covers Big Business Server for Windows and recent additions to Big Business Documentation including:
• Setting Up Big Business Server
• Setting Up Big Business Clients
• Understanding Multi-User Features
• Server Administration
Registering Big Business Server as a Service
Big Busines Server for Windows includes the ability to run as a Service. As a Service, Big Business Server can launch automatically on startup of the server, and without logon. (5500)
Big Business Server can be run as a Service, allowing it to start automatically when the server computer is rebooted and before logon, and controlled by Scheduler or scripting. Setup must be performed by a local Administrator-level Windows user.
To configure Big Business Server as a service:
1. Launch Big Business Server if it is not already running.
2. From the File menu select, Unregister all Server Services.
3. From the File menu select, Register Current Database as Service.
4. Open the Services Control Panel to configure the service.
5. If you want Big Business Server to start when the computer is restarted, set the Startup Type to Automatic.
6. Do not click Start to start the Service if Big Business Server is still running as an application.
7. Do not remove the option to Allow service to interact with desktop or you will run the risk of someone launching the application while the service is already running.
8. Do not switch from using a Local System account or you will run the risk of permission problems and/or someone launching the application while the service is already running.
Windows Server 2008 will block the Interact With Desktop option making it difficult to administer Big Business Server.
Server System Resources for Windows
Big Business Server lists Memory and System Resource settings under Preferences in the Server's Edit menu.
This Solution describes setting the memory usage for Server. (5508)
Big Business Server for Windows lets you assign memory settings by choosing Preferences from the Edit menu and clicking on Database, Data Management.
The default Cache setting is dynamic (Adaptive) meaning it will take some portion of available memory up to the specified Maximum Size. To change the Cache used, change the Maximum Size (to 128 for a small Data File, or 1024 for a very large one).
Introduction to Big Business Server
Introduction to Big Business Server (2572)
Big Business Server is the multi-user version of Big Business™, the integrated business management tool from Big Business, Inc.. Big Business Server is based on a client/ server architecture that supports multiple simultaneous users— all your employees can access current information from the server.
Client/ server architecture divides data processing between the client and the server. The division of labor between these two parts is transparent to users. The client part is located on the user computers. Its responsibility is to display the Big Business interface and to query the server in response to user actions.
The server part is located on a designated server computer. Its responsibility is to store and manage data and provide services to the client computers across a network. To search for a set of customers, for example, users ask the client to locate certain customer cards. The client sends the request to the server, which executes the search on the server machine and returns the resulting customer cards to the client.
The benefits of client/ server architecture are increased efficiency and speed. Work is divided between the clients and the server and is intelligently managed to reduce the amount of network passes. The less network traffic, the faster the entire system works. Because all data is stored on the server, each client has immediate access to up-to-the-minute data.
About Server Setup
About Server Setup (2574)
The first part of this document is written for the Big Business Administrator, who is responsible for installing and setting up the Big Business client and server software.
The Big Business Administrator should also assign access privileges that are
appropriate for using the Company data file in a multi-user environment.
The second section, on Big Business Server features, can be used by anyone who is using multi-user Big Business.
Multi User Licensing
Multi-User Licensing (2575)
Your Big Business Server installation is licensed for a specific number of
simultaneously connected clients. Although you can install the client software on any number of machines, Big Business Server will permit logins only up to the number of clients for which you are licensed. See “Upgrading Big Business,” later in this document, for information on adding more users.
Before You Start
Before you start installing Big Business Server for Windows, make sure you meet the System Requirements (2576)
Before you begin installation, take a minute to verify that you have what you need to set up the Big Business multi-user client/ server configuration.
System Requirements
Windows Server:
• 2GB of available RAM
• Win XP SP3, Win VISTA SP2, Win Server 2003 R2 SP2, Win Server 2008 SP2, Windows 7
• (64-bit) Win XP SP2 x64, Win VISTA SP2 x64, Win Server 2003 R2 SP2 x64, Win Server 2008 SP2 x64, Windows 7 x64
Windows Client
• 1GB of available RAM
• Win XP SP3, Win VISTA SP2, Win Server 2003 R2 SP2, Win Server 2008 SP2, Windows 7
• (64-bit) Win XP SP2 x64, Win VISTA SP2 x64, Win Server 2003 R2 SP2 x64, Win Server 2008 SP2 x64, Windows 7 x64
Mac OS X Client:
• 1GB of available RAM
• Mac OS X 10.4.11, 10.5.8, 10.6.2 and higher
Network Requirements
A TCP/IP network, Ethernet recomended
Big Business Server Notes
Big Business Server Notes (2578)
• The computer used for Big Business Server should run without error or interruption as multiple users will be depending on its performance and reliability.
• You can run other Services, Applications, and even Big Business Client on the same computer with adequate resources. For example, File Sharing very large files from a computer with only one hard drive might impact performance while services with very small files like email would not have a noticeable impact.
• Big Business Server maintains your Data File and should be protected from power failures, unexpected system changes, and restarts.
Upgrading Big Business
Upgrading Big Business (2580)
The Upgrade button on the Company Card opens a dialog that allows you to add additional users to your Big Business product license.
There are also a number of Add-Ons that can be Registered in Trial Mode for evalaution. These include:
• Multi-Warehouse
• Multi-Currency
• ODBC
• Middleware
• Authorize.net
• Volusion
Product Registration and Technical Support
Product Registration and Technical Support (2581)
Big Business Support includes person-to-person technical support and help getting the most from Big Business.
Big Business product and support information available at http://www.bigbusiness.com.
You can reach Big Business Support at (925) 274-9568 or by email to support@bigbusiness.com.
Server Directory and Files
Server Directory and Files (2584)
After installation, the Big Business Server directory contains:
• The Big Business Server application
• The Data folder, which contains a Demo File
• The ReadMe file
• Accessory folders, DLLs, and other files required by BB Server
Start Big Business Server by selecting the Big Business Server icon from the Big Business Server folder (under Programs on the Start menu, by default). For convenience, a Shortcut to Big Business Server is installed on your desktop.
The Server Administration Window
The Server Administration Window shows user connections and memory usage. (2586)
When Big Business Server starts, the Administration window opens, indicating that Big Business Server is now available for use by Clients. You must run Client to use Big Business Server.
Client computers, as they connect, will be listed by their network names in the Server Administration Window. Once Big Business Server is running you should only need to refer to the information on the Administration Window if you amaking a change such as shutting down Big Business Server.
Preserving Data Files and Uninstalling
Preserving Data Files and Uninstalling (2588)
At any point, you can uninstall Big Business Server and run the installation program again. Data files and other files that you created after installation will be preserved. A new, demo data file will be reinstalled in the Demo folder.
A Word about Data Files
The first time you start the program, Big Business Server asks which data file you want to use. After you have selected a data file, Big Business Server will automatically open the same data file when launched again. To select another data file, hold down the Alt key immediately after launching Big Business Server.
All Big Business data files have a file extension of, ".4dd". Although Big Business Server is designed for use with a single, production-level Company data file, you can create one or more new, blank data files in the Data folder to practice Set Up or to prototype your Company data file. Files in the Data folder will be preserved if you uninstall Big Business Server.
Big Business data files also have a matching index file with a ".4DIndx" file extension. This file should be backed up along with the .4dd data file, but can be easily replaced if necessary. The data file (.4dd) contains all of your records and preferences and it is critical that you backup this file on a regular basis.
Installing Big Business Clients
Installing Big Business Clients (2590)
The Install program places Big Business Client in Program Files or a location you specify.
To install Big Business Client for Windows:
1. Download and run the Big Business Client for Windows Installer.
2. Follow the onscreen prompts using the default settings or the settings you want.
3. Wait while Big Business Client installs
Look for the Big Business Client Shortcut on your desktop and double-click to start.
Important:
If you are installing on a protected computer, you may need to sign on to the computer as an Administrator level user.
Connecting Clients to Big Business Server
Connecting Clients to Big Business Server (2596)
When you launch Big Business Client for the first time, the Connection to Server dialog appears. Click on the Available tab and select the Big Business Server. When you restart Big Business Client it will automatically connect to the same server. Hold down the Alt key after launching Big Business Client to display the Connect to Server dialog again.
If no server appears on the Available tab, make sure that Big Business Server is up and running. If you still don’t see a server in the Servers windows, check the network set up.
If you encounter any problems, contact Big Business Technical Support for help resolving network difficulties. We are happy to help ensure a reliable network setup.
Serving the Data File
Serving the Data File (2598)
By default, Big Business Server always opens the last Data File used. The very first time you start Big Business Server, it asks you which Data File you want to use.
If you create a new Data File, you can start the Set Up process. If you want to open a different data file (for example, the Demo data file to run the Big Business tutorial), hold down the Alt key after you launch Big Business Server. Choose the data file you want in the dialog box that appears.
See also “A Word about Data Files” earlier in this document, following the description of Big Business Server installation.
Big Business Server and Big Business (single-user) are virtually the same product with identical features and interface. However, Big Business Server has sophisticated multi-user capabilities not found in Big Business. As a result, Big Business Server includes multi-user management features that are not discussed in the Big Business User’s Guide. Those features are listed in this chapter.
In a client/ server architecture, the server stores and manages a single data set that all users access and share. This ensures that users have immediate access to current data. The server also stores the Big Business structure and manages multiple users accessing the same structure objects, such as screens, lists, or notes, at the same time.
Big Business provides an intelligent object-locking system that lets multiple users access and view the same structure objects simultaneously. To protect data integrity, Big Business allows only one user at a time to modify the object. For example, when you try to modify a customer card that is already in use, Big Business displays a read-only version of the customer card—you can view and print the card, but you cannot change it until it has been closed by the other user.
This chapter includes instructions on these and other topics:
• Updating Lists
• In-Use Cards
• Single-Instance Tools
• Multi-User Objects
• System Maintenance
• Making Deposits
• Performing a Check Run
• Creating an Invoice
After you have completed this chapter, you will be familiar with the multi-user
features of Big Business Server. Please refer to the Big Business User’s Guide for in-depth program and feature instructions.
When you open a tool from your Big Business Client, Big Business presents you with a QuickChoose list. To ensure that this list displays the most recent information available on the server, you can click the “Update List” button.
The “Update List” request from your client causes the server to supply your client with the most recent version of the list that exists at the time.
For example, if you want to obtain the most recent version of the Item List:
1. Click the Update List button in the list box.
2. If the list is up to date, Big Business Server sends the message “This List is up to date”:
3. If the list is not up to date, the server sends the message “Updating List”.
Tip: When you make changes from a client, the server updates immediately. Your client also immediately reflects the changes you make yourself.
See also “Updating Local Lists,” later in this document.
In Use Objects
In-Use Objects (2602)
Big Business allows multiple users to view the same object simultaneously, but only
one user at a time can actually modify the object. For example, many users can view a customer card for A Shop For Gifts And Things at the same time, but only one user can actually edit the card. Once that user closes A Shop For Gifts And Things’s customer card, another user can begin making modifications immediately. Objects displayed in this read- only mode can be viewed and printed by any number of users at a time. User access to objects is managed on a first-come-first-served basis.
Big Business does not display a dialog box when an object will be displayed in read-only mode. Instead the In Use indicator is displayed.
The following is a list of the objects that Big Business displays in read-only mode:
• Customer, Vendor, Item, Contact, Employee, Company Cards
• Quotes, Orders, Invoices
• Receive Money
• Purchase Orders
• Bills
• Make a Payment tool
• Bank, Category, Account Cards
• General Journal
• Transfers
• Access
Single Instance Objects
Single-Instance Objects (2604)
Big Business won’t display certain tools in read-only mode; only one instance of the tool can be open on the network at one time. This means that only one instance of that tool can be open on any one client, as well. Big Business prevents access to certain tools and operations to protect data integrity and prevent event conflicts, such as printing duplicate checks or duplicating deposits. For instance, a user cannot do a bank account reconciliation when another user has already started a reconciliation. Once the first user has completed the reconciliation, the other user may begin one.
Big Business displays the following dialog box when only one instance of the tool can be open at a time.
The following is a list of the tools that can be open in only one instance at a time.
• Prefs (except MyDesk)
• Item Adjustments
• Balance Adjustments
• Reconciliation
• Deposits
• Finance Charges