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. |
Related Documents:
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