he Wide Area Network, or “WAN”, is fast becoming the technology of choice for many tanning pros as they address the needs of a growing salon chain.

A WAN can consist of dedicated, high-speed, direct connection lines between multiple salon locations, or the Internet can be used as a more cost effective connection point. Generally speaking, you will need to get a broadband connection such as DSL or cable in your salons, and an inexpensive piece of equipment called a router. There may be some important preparation work that needs to be completed to ensure that the information in each salon is consistent in areas important to a database of consolidated information. Complete A-Z setup and installation assistance is available for a nominal fee, so you can focus your attention on running your salons and not be bogged down with technical details.

"CONNECTING
ALL OF YOUR
SALONS TO
A CENTRAL
DATABASE
HAS MANY
BENEFITS!"

It allows for improved customer service for “roving” clients, greater report consolidation and the added comfort of having your important client and transaction data automatically backed up. The WAN design used by Helios eliminates the disastrous potential for a fatal loss of data due to hard drive failures.

With a WAN, a loss of connection to the server WILL NOT bring down your salons. Any and all locations affected by a loss of connection will continue to process clients as usual and will sync their data to the server once connection is re-established, as if nothing ever happened. Other benefits of a broadband connection in your salon include the ability to process credit card authorizations in under three seconds, and remotely access and control your salons from any computer, anywhere, anytime.
The Helios WAN is a great way to better service your customers, manage your stores and obtain peace of mind.

This column is brought to you by the knowledgeable staff at Helios, and is intended to be a general source of information regarding salon management software and improving salon performance through technology.