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Resort Data Processing, Inc. Providing
Quality Hospitality Software for Vacation Rentals, |
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| Search | Hotels/Resorts | Vacation Rentals | Condo-Hotels | Timeshare/Fractional | Internet Reservations | Travel Services | Support | Contact Us | ||
Updated: 6/12/08
Resort Data Processing software is designed to run in a client-server environment, where all data is stored on a server in your control. This server can be physically located at the property or a remote location. Workstations can be located at the property or remote and use Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista (Business or Ultimate edition) for 32-bit programs (not 64-bit version edition). RDP does not sell hardware. This document covers RDP hardware requirements and options. Also see: RDPWin - An Overview of RDP Software Technology
RDP software is designed for Microsoft Windows 2003 R2 Standard Edition SP2 or Microsoft Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit programs (NOT Small Business Server). The data server is the most important element of the system, since all data is stored on this server. On a Windows network, one computer is the data server and the other computers are workstations (clients). When data is added or changed from any workstation, it is stored on the server, allowing all workstations instant access to all data. For example, if a new reservation is made from a workstation at the front desk, all other workstations can view the reservation immediately. 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 |
|---|
| Windows 2003 R2 Standard Edition or Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit (not 64-bit version or Small Business server) |
| One dual core processor if fewer than 10 workstations, two dual core processors if more than 20 workstations |
| Four gigabytes of RAM Memory |
| Gigabit Network Card |
| Hard disk with at least 200 gigabytes free |
| Microsoft .Net Framework 3.0 |
| Flat screen Monitor at 1024 x 768 resolution at 96 dpi. Lower resolutions are not supported, and higher resolutions will result in displaying RDPWin screens with very small text that is difficult to read. |
| Removable Backup System |
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 below can bring up the reservation screen in a few seconds, while a 5 year old workstation might take 45 seconds. With the low cost of hardware these days, the ideal scenario is to purchase all new, identical workstations with a configuration that meets or exceeds the requirements below:,
| Minimum New Workstation Requirements |
|---|
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The best solution is to purchase all new workstations with the minimum configuration above, which assures that all locations will have the same great performance. If older workstations are used, RDP suggests installing RDPWin and testing the performance to see if it is acceptable. Older, slower workstations should not be used at the front desk or in reservations, where performance is critical. The minimum requirements to install and test RDPWin on a workstation are:
| Existing Workstations - Install and test performance |
|---|
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RDP's optional Internet Reservation Module (IRM) can be used by guests, condominium/timeshare 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 |
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Related documents:
The RDP system is extremely fast and reliable when installed as the only
application on a Windows 2003/2008 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.
After installation of the data server, it is critical to test the performance. RDP has a test program that should complete in 15 seconds or less. A customer recently purchased a new server and this test program took 7 minutes, which is 28 times longer than it should! There was a problem with network card in this new machine. After replacing the card, the test program was completed in 4 seconds.
For instructions on running this hardware test, contact RDP Support at 970-845-7108. We will assist you in downloading a copy of our demo data files and running Reset Availability to test the performance of your network
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:
For the easiest installation and best performance, RDP suggests using one switch and connecting all devices to this switch. To have a true gigabit network all components must be at one gigabit or faster, including:
RDP support needs remote access to your system to provide the highest level of technical support. We can quickly diagnose problems and provide solutions by using Microsoft's Remote Desktop. The following items are required before RDP will schedule an installation:
A Removable Backup System is required for all RDP systems. RDP suggests that the size of the backup media (tape, disk, etc) be at least as large as the disk drive. RDP requires a different media for each day of the week. Multiple media provide a safeguard in case one media does not restore correctly. Removable Backup System software is also required, such as Backup Exec. Do not purchase the separate "backup open files" software. This is not required and does not work with RDP. The standard Backup Exec for Windows 2003 has an option to simply backup files that are open, which works very well with RDP. Make sure to use the checkbox for "Backup open files without a lock".
Almost all printers work with RDPWin, RDP's Windows based system. RDP supports both local and Windows shared printers. A local printer is defined as a printer connected directly to a parallel or USB port on a workstation. A Windows shared printer can be connected directly to the network hub or to a parallel port on a different workstation.
All reports are designed to print on 8 1/2" x 11" paper. 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.
Customers still using our legacy DOS system should be aware that not all printers will print with DOS.
| Firewall | A firewall is used to help prevent unauthorized access to your data and is highly recommended |
|---|---|
| Router | A router is connect your internal network to the Internet and is required for internet access |
| 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.SQL database, formerly known as Btrieve. Pervasive.SQL is one of the fastest and most reliable client-server databases available and is used at millions of sites 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 access all system data 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, room key, global distribution system, etc. These interfaces require a dedicated computer acting as a “bridge” between the RDP system and the interface device. At most, two interfaces usually share one bridge computer. To reduce costs, please order these bridge computers with two comm./serial ports. For each interface, a comm. port and serial cable are required. Please review details on RDP Interfaces: RDP Supported Interfaces. |
| Internet Access and E-Mail Required |
RDP distributes correspondence, such as
conference invitations, product announcements, and new feature descriptions
via E-Mail. An e-mail account is 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. |
| 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. |
| Global Distribution System (GDS) | RDP provides connectivity to the Global Distribution System (GDS) |
