RDP Software for Hotels, Resorts, Condos, Vacation Rentals, Timeshare & Fractional Properties

RDP Hardware Requirements

Resort Data Processing software is designed to run in a Microsoft Windows client-server environment, which involves a Data Server, Internet Reservation Module Server (IRM.Net), and individual workstations (clients). The Data Server and IRM.Net server can be located at the property or at a remote location, but they must both be at the same location. It is possible to use virtual servers or separate physical servers for the data server and the IRM server. Separate physical servers provide an increased level of security and performance, but are not required. Workstations can be located at the property or at a remote location and can use Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista (Business or Ultimate edition) for 32-bit programs (not 64-bit version edition), or Windows 7 or Windows 7 Pro for 32-bit programs. Thin client is available using Citrix or Windows Terminal Server. RDP does not sell hardware but we will work with your hardware vendor to assure you purchase the correct equipment. Please also see: Overview of RDP Technology.

This document is intended for new customers buying hardware for the first time. Current Customers: Please contact RDP to discuss hardware upgrades.

RDP Hardware Diagram

Data Server Configuration

RDP software is designed for Microsoft Windows Server 2008 64-bit. The data server is the most important element of the system, since all data is stored on this server. When a reservation or other data is added or changed from any workstation, IRM.Net or the GDS Interface, it is immediately stored on the data server. For example, if a new reservation is made from the IRM.Net server, all other workstations can view the reservation immediately, provided true last room availability. Reservations made by guests using RDP's Internet Reservation Module (IRM), are also stored on the data server immediately. The table below provide guidelines for data server requirements.

Minimum Data Server Configuration

Note: If you have more than 20 workstations, please call RDP prior to purchase to discuss optimum hardware requirements.

Windows Server 2008 64-bit
One quad core processor if fewer than 10 workstations, two quad core processors if more than 10 workstations
Minimum 8 gigabytes of RAM
1 gigabit Network Card
15k RPM Hard disk with at least 200 Gigabyes free
Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5
Flat screen Monitor at 1024 x 768 resolution (or higher) at 96 dpi. Lower resolutions are not supported.
Removable Backup System, such as Tape.

Peer-to-Peer Networking for small systems

For small networks of 2-5 workstations it is possible to use "peer-to-peer" networking instead of a Windows Server 2008. In the "peer-to-peer" application, one workstation acts as a data server, and the other workstations access the data on that workstation.

Virtual Servers can be used

It is possible to use virtual servers or separate physical servers for the data server and the IRM server. Separate physical servers provide an increased level of security and performance, but are not required.

Internet Reservation Module Server (IRM Server)

RDP's optional Internet Reservation Module (IRM) can be used by guests, condominium owners, groups, travel agents, and wholesalers to make reservations, inquire on account status, and many other functions. The IRM server can simultaneously handle hundreds of requests for reservation availability and rates. All reservations are commission free and stored immediately on the RDP data server. The IRM requires a dedicated server at your site, whose requirements are below:

Minimum Internet Reservation Module (IRM) Server Configuration

Windows 2008 server 64-bit or 2003 R2 32-bit server. Note: this machine does not need to be a 'server class' computer; it simply needs to be a machine with the above Operating Systems. It does not need R.A.I.D., dual disks, etc.
One quad core or two dual core processors
4-8 GBs of RAM Memory
1 GB Network Card
Hard disk with at least 40 GB free
Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5
Flat screen Monitor at 1024 x 768 resolution at 96 dpi. Lower resolutions are not supported.

Related documents:

Data Server and IRM Server Dedicated to RDP

The RDP system is extremely fast and reliable when installed as the only application on a Windows 2008 server. To maintain this speed and reliability, do not install any other applications on the data server or IRM server. Computer hardware has become relatively inexpensive and it is a much better to have another server for non-RDP applications than to risk the potential conflicts and performance degradation that can occur when loading multiple applications on the same server.

If non-RDP software is installed on the data server or IRM server and a conflict or support problem arises, the non-RDP software must be moved to another server to maintain your RDP support contract.

The data server and IRM server can be used simultaneously as an RDP workstation for all system functions, however this may slow the performance of all workstations. RDP suggests not using the data server as a workstation, except for installations with less than 5 workstations.

Testing Server Performance

After installation of the data server, it is critical to test the performance. RDP has a test program (RDPWin Checklist) that should be run on all workstations to validate the speed of the network and database. A customer recently purchased a new server and the test showed an abnormally slow network response time. It turns out there was a problem with the network card in the new server.

For instructions on running RDPWin Checklist, contact RDP Support at 970-845-7108.

Workstation/Interface Configuration

The performance of RDPWin will be very fast on a new workstation and potentially unacceptable on older workstations. For example, a new workstation with the configuration as set below can bring up the New Reservation screen in a second; while a 5-year old workstation could take up to 25 seconds. With the lower cost of hardware, the ideal scenario is to purchase all new workstations with a configuration that meets or exceeds the requirements below:

Minimum Workstation Requirements

Note: If you have more than 20 workstations, please call RDP prior to purchase to discuss optimum hardware requirements.

Windows XP Professional with all Service Packs installed, Windows Vista (Business or Ultimate), or Windows 7 or Windows 7 Pro (32-bit) with Data Execution Protection turned off.
Dual core processor
2 GBs of RAM Memory
1 GB Network Card
Hard disk with at least 20 GBs free
Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5
For Interface Computers: Two comm ports per each XP Professional w/ serial cable for each
Flat screen Monitor at 1024 x 768 resolution at 96 dpi. Lower resolutions are not supported.

Network Cards and Switches/Hubs - 1 Gigabit or Faster

Network cards allow workstations to communicate with the data server and are critical to system performance, since a great deal of data travels between the data server and workstations. RDP suggests the following:

1GB network (1000 megabits) is ideal and provides the best performance. For customers with 20 or more workstations or terminal servers, a 1GB network is required.
A 100 megabit network is 10 times slower and is not supported.
A 10 megabit network is 100 times slower than a 1 gigabit network and is not supported.

For the easiest installation and best performance, RDP suggests using one network switch and connecting all devices to this switch. To have a true gigabit network all components must be at one gigabit or faster, including:

The network card in the data server must be one gigabit
The switch must be one gigabit
All cables have to be gigabit rated
All workstation must have a gigabit network card
The network card in the IRM bridge server must be one gigabit to maximize internet performance for guests and owners
The network card in the optional Citrix/Terminal Server for remote access must be one gigabit

Citrix or Terminal Server

See Using RDPWin Remotely w/ Citrix or Terminal Server for details on terminal server requirements.

Note: Do not use Windows Server 2008 64 bit with Citrix or Terminal Server as the Interfaces and some utilities do not function on 64 bit operating systems.

Removable Backup Systems

A Backup System is required for all RDP systems. Backup systems can be:

An online back-up solution with the ability to backup RDP (even when in use) and historical copies
Removable hard disk backup solutions
Tape backup

RDP currently recommends LokkBox Online Backup (www.lokkbox.com) to RDP customers for the following reasons:

LokkBox has been certified to backup RDP systems.
There are no up-front costs. No hardware disks or tapes are required.
A cost-effective monthly fee is available.
Can be extended easily to back-up all of your other data (shared files, servers, e-mails, desktops, laptops, etc.).
Customized retention policies allow each customer to store multiple, historical copies of their data for as long necessary.

Printers and Forms

Almost all printers work with RDPWin. RDP supports both local and shared printers. A local printer is defined as a printer connected directly to a workstation. A Windows shared printer can be connected directly to the network hub or to a parallel port on a different workstation.

Laser printers are recommended for all locations because of their speed and high-quality output. Plain paper can be used for folios, registration cards and statements to groups, travel agents, owners and other entities. However, many customers prefer the higher quality look of preprinted forms. RDP has a wide selection of forms that can be ordered through our forms division, RDP Paper at 800/RDP-PAPR (1-800-737-7277). See Pre-printed forms Overview.

Other Hardware and Software

Firewall	A firewall is used to help prevent unauthorized access to your data and is highly recommended.
Router	A router connects your internal network to the Internet.
Switch/Hub	One or more switches or hubs are used to connect all workstations and servers. For the easiest installation and best performance, the RDP data server and Internet Reservation Module (IRM) server should be connected to the same switch.
Active Directory Optional	RDP software is designed to work with or without Microsoft Active Directory.
Pervasive.SQL Database	RDP software uses the Pervasive database. Pervasive is one of the fastest and most reliable client-server databases available and is used many sites, large and small, worldwide. RDP sells Pervasive Software directly to customers. For pricing please see Pervasive Database Overview
Remote access with Citrix or Terminal Services	It is easy to use RDPWin remotely using Terminal Services or Citrix. RDP has many customers with reservation departments that are not located on the property, as well as central reservations for multiple RDP properties. See RDP & Citrix for details.
Interface Bridge Computers	RDP offers interfaces to a variety of devices including: call accounting, point-of-sale, voicemail, in-room movies, in-room Internet billing and room key. These interfaces require a dedicated computer acting as a “bridge” between the RDP system and the interface device. At most, two interfaces share one bridge computer. To reduce costs, please order these bridge computers with two serial ports. For each interface, a serial port and cable are required. Please see: RDP Supported Interfaces.
Internet Access and E-Mail Required	An Internet connection is required for the following: logging support issues, viewing the support website http://support.resortdata.com, and providing the ability for RDP Support Technicians to support your system. RDP distributes correspondence, such as conference invitations, product announcements, and new feature descriptions via E-Mail. An e-mail account is required.
Internal Outgoing SMTP E-Mail Server Required	RDP provides the ability to send guests, owners, groups, travel agents, and others e-mail from the IRM and RDPWin. An internal outgoing SMTP e-mail server must be configured. Note: Microsoft provides an SMTP server at no charge with every copy of Windows 2003 Server. See RDP Email Marketing.