Primary operations are conducted at the ‘Manifest’ computer.  This is where the production data and daily backup file resides.  We keep these files here because the ‘Manifest’ computer requires the highest data access speed.  Additionally, if the LAN dies, the ‘Manifest’ computer will remain 100% operational (see slide #6).
Secondary operations, or all other users throughout the LAN, will connect or 'Link' to the production data file on the ‘Manifest’ computer.  We do this so that if the LAN dies, the ‘Manifest’ computer will remain 100% operational.  All secondary operations/users will remain off-line until the LAN is restored (see slide #7).
The backup routines can be called from any application installed throughout the LAN providing a USB key is attached with the appropriate access level.  All backups are created locally on the ‘Manifest’ computer and can then copied to another media (preferably an external USB or Zip Drive).  We do this so that in the event of a total failure of the ‘Manifest’ computer, the latest backups will be available on the removable media..

In the event of a total failure of the ‘Manifest’ computer, you will be able to switch over to any other computer on the LAN that has the application installed, copy the data files from the removable media to the local computer's data folder, relink to those data files, and get back to work. Once the ‘Manifest’ computer has been rebuilt, you can copy the data files from the temporary computer and then have all users relink back to the ‘Manifest’ Computer.

In the event of a local LAN failure, the ‘Manifest’ computer will remain 100% operational.  However, none of the other users linked to the ‘Manifest’ computer will be able to use the application until the LAN has been restored.