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MLS 2026 is designed primarily as a:
locally hosted business management system
This means:
•your data remains at your shop
•your server stays under your control
•and your workstations operate over your own local network
Because of this design, many users ask:
“Can I still work remotely?”
The answer is:
Yes.
MLS 2026 supports several effective methods for remote access while still maintaining the advantages of local ownership and control of your data.
Many modern software systems rely entirely on remote “cloud” servers.
MLS 2026 instead focuses on:
•local performance
•data ownership
•reliability
•and operational independence
There are several reasons for this approach.
With a locally hosted system:
•your data remains under your control
•on your own equipment
•at your own location
Cloud-based systems store your information on servers operated by other companies.
This may expose your business to:
•data mining
•unauthorized access
•external breaches
•or policy changes outside your control
Local hosting significantly reduces outside exposure.
Shop management systems process:
•large databases
•invoices
•appointments
•accounting transactions
•inventory
•and multiple simultaneous workstation operations
Local area networks handle these operations extremely quickly.
Internet-based systems often:
•share resources among many customers
•experience latency
•and slow dramatically during heavy usage periods
A properly configured local network will generally provide:
faster day-to-day operation
than internet-hosted alternatives.
A locally hosted MLS 2026 system can often continue operating even when:
•internet services fail
•cloud providers experience outages
•or external systems go offline
With:
•quality hardware
•battery backup systems ( UPS )
•and proper maintenance
your shop can maintain highly reliable operations.
Cloud-based systems depend on:
•internet providers
•remote hosting companies
•and external infrastructure
When those services fail:
the shop may lose access entirely.
Modern computers are relatively inexpensive and often remain usable for many years.
A local system provides:
•predictable costs
•stable budgeting
•and ownership of your equipment
Cloud-based systems may involve:
•recurring hosting fees
•escalating subscription costs
•storage charges
•bandwidth fees
•and licensing increases over time
Maintaining your own system also provides:
•direct control
•flexibility
•and independence
Many businesses prefer knowing:
•where their data resides
•who controls it
•and how it is protected
Even though MLS 2026 is locally hosted:
remote access is absolutely possible.
Many shops successfully access their systems:
•from home
•while traveling
•from secondary offices
•or on portable computers
The most common methods are outlined below.
A:
VPN
creates a secure connection between:
•a remote computer
•and the shop’s local network
Using this method:
•MLS 2026 Client software is installed on the remote computer
•exactly like any local workstation
Once connected through the VPN:
•the remote workstation communicates directly with the shop server
•and operates much like a local network computer
This method works very well when:
•internet connections are stable
•and the VPN is properly configured
⚠️ VPN systems should always be configured by qualified IT personnel.
Another extremely popular method is:
remote desktop / remote control software
This allows a user to:
•remotely control a computer physically located inside the shop
In this case:
•the actual MLS 2026 processing still occurs on the shop computer
•while the remote user simply controls the screen, keyboard, and mouse over the internet
This is commonly used for:
•bookkeeping
•management review
•after-hours work
•or remote assistance
Many software products support this approach.
One example used by MasterLink Software is:
Other remote-control products may also work effectively.
Benefits include:
•simple setup
•excellent performance
•strong security
•and compatibility with tablets and mobile devices
Managers may even:
•assist employees remotely
•answer questions
•review invoices
•or help resolve problems
directly from another location.
⚠️ Legacy Information
Older MLS installations may use:
Advantage Database Server ( ADS )
for internet-based client/server connectivity.
ADS was originally developed by:
SAP
and provided advanced remote database capabilities.
However:
•ADS reached End of Life in 2015
•it is no longer sold
•and new licenses are unavailable
Existing installations may still operate successfully, but this option is now considered:
legacy support only
MLS 2026 continues evaluating modern alternatives for advanced client/server operation.
Remote access can be extremely effective when properly configured.
For best results:
•use reliable internet connections
•work with experienced IT professionals
•maintain strong security practices
•and use quality hardware
MLS 2026 gives you:
•the speed and control of local hosting
•while still allowing the flexibility of remote operations when needed.