Hi Ken

They usually use a PC with WIN98 or WINXP and share the HD and printers. Sometimes they go 'all the way' and buy a separate server with a NOS, usually WIN2000.

>Hi Tore,
>
>When they buy the extra PC are they still using Perr to Peer or do they go all the way and by a NOS too ?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Ken
>
>
>>Hi Ken
>>
>>We have many customers of that kind, and in our contracts we clearly state that if they use the server also as a workstation, they do so on their own risk, and our warranty MAY not be valid. So far, our customers are happy, and we have no complaints. However, with the low PC prices now, most of our customers prefer to buy a new PC after a while, and let the server be just that, a server.
>>
>>>Hi,
>>>
>>>We have been in the custom app development business (primarily FP and VFP) for 14 years. During the first 13 years, our client base consisted of medium size companies ($50-$500 million in sales), and it was easy to insist that they have a "real" network including a real NOS.
>>>
>>>More recently, our client base is shifting towards small and very small businesses. We have a POS/Inventory Control app with fully integrated accounting that is attractive to these small businesses BUT...... it is becoming more difficult to insist that they have a "real" network. Most of them balk at the price, especially when they have been a 'Quickbooks and Excel' type of operation from their inception.
>>>
>>>In some cases we have agreed to a 'Peer to Peer' network with the stipulation that one of the work stations is "server only" and not to be used as a WS.
>>>
>>>I would like to hear how others who are in the Mom $ Pop market deal with this issue.
>>>
>>>Thanks,
>>>
>>>Ken