Hardware Requirements, Property Management Systems for Hotels, Resorts, Condominiums, and Vacation Rentals

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 Hardware Diagram

Data Server Configuration

RDP software is designed for Microsoft Windows Server 2008 64-bit (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
Note: If you have more than 20 workstations, please call RDP prior to purchase to discuss optimum hardware requirements. Windows Server 2008 64-bit (not Small Business server) One quad core processor if fewer than 10 workstations, two quad core processors if more than 10 workstations Minimum 8 GBs of RAM 1 GB Network Card 15k RPM Hard disk with at least 200 GBs free Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 Flat screen Monitor at 1024 x 768 resolution at 96 dpi. Lower resolutions are not supported. Removable Backup System

Virtual Servers NOT Supported

RDP requires two physical servers: one for the data server and one for the IRM server. A stand alone IRM server offers better security and performance. RDP does not support "virtual" servers where one physical server has two copies of Windows Server installed.

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 or Windows Vista (Business or Ultimate) (32-bit only) 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 Professoinal w/ serial cable for each Flat screen Monitor at 1024 x 768 resolution at 96 dpi. Lower resolutions are not supported.

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.

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.

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:

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:

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

Removable hard drive backup systems are currently the most cost effective way to backup a system. Multiple hard drives can be used and kept off-site. Please consult with your hardware professional to discuss your backup options.

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.

RDP Hardware Requirements