Standalone vs Remote Server: How HotelDesk Works

HotelDesk can operate in two different configurations: Standalone and Remote Server. Both configurations provide the same familiar HotelDesk interface, but they differ in where data is stored and how staff members access it.

What is Standalone mode?

Standalone mode stores the hotel database locally on the computer where HotelDesk is installed. It uses a local SQLite database and does not require a web server, hosting account or MySQL connection.

This configuration is suitable for hotels that want to manage their operations from a single workstation or start using HotelDesk without configuring additional server infrastructure.

How Standalone mode works

• Hotel data is stored locally on the computer.
• No external database or hosting account is required.
• The application can continue working without a permanent internet connection.
• Database access is limited to the local HotelDesk installation.
• Backups must include the local HotelDesk data.

Because the database is local, other computers and the HotelDesk web module cannot access the same live information simultaneously.

What is Remote Server mode?

Remote Server mode stores the HotelDesk database in MySQL on a server selected and controlled by the customer. The HotelDesk desktop application and the optional web module connect to the same database.

This allows authorized staff members to use the desktop application and web platform at the same time while working with the same reservations, rooms, clients, payments and operational information.

How Remote Server mode works

• Hotel data is stored in a MySQL database on your server.
• The desktop application connects securely to the remote database.
• The HotelDesk web module uses the same database.
• Changes made from one platform become available to the other platform.
• Multiple authorized staff members can work with the same information.
• Server-side backups can protect the shared database and uploaded files.

Remote Server mode does not mean that HotelDesk automatically stores your operational data on HotelDesk.app. You select and manage the server where the hotel database and web module are installed.

How the remote installation works

The HotelDesk setup wizard guides the administrator through the remote configuration process.

1. Enter and test the MySQL connection.
2. Enter and test the FTP connection for the selected domain or subdomain.
3. Provide the public URL where the web module will be available.
4. HotelDesk uploads the secure installer and web module archive.
5. The archive is extracted directly into the FTP account’s configured web root.
6. The database structure and required configuration are created.
7. HotelDesk verifies the installation through the module health endpoint.
8. The desktop application switches to the validated remote configuration.

For security and compatibility, the remote installation should use HTTPS, a supported PHP version, a dedicated MySQL database and an FTP account restricted to the intended web directory.

Can I migrate from Standalone to Remote Server?

Yes. You can begin with Standalone mode and migrate to Remote Server mode later when your hotel requires shared access or the web platform.

During migration, HotelDesk transfers the supported local data from SQLite to the configured MySQL database. The remote configuration is validated before it becomes the active data source.

Before starting a migration, create a complete backup and make sure no other staff member is changing data. After migration, all staff members should use the new remote configuration so that information remains synchronized.

Which configuration should I choose?

Choose Standalone if:

• You use HotelDesk on one computer.
• You do not need browser access.
• You want the simplest initial configuration.
• You prefer to keep all operational data locally.
• Your internet connection is limited or unreliable.

Choose Remote Server if:

• Several staff members need access to the same hotel data.
• You want to use the desktop application and web module together.
• You need browser access from authorized devices.
• You already have suitable hosting or server infrastructure.
• You want centralized database and file backups.

The same HotelDesk experience

Standalone and Remote Server modes use the same HotelDesk interface and hotel-management workflow. The main difference is the location of the database and the number of platforms that can access it.

You can start locally, migrate when required and continue managing the hotel with the same familiar tools.