RDP Hardware Requirements
This document is designed to provide a high level overview of
the hardware required to run Resort Data Processing software.
After reviewing this document, please call RDP at 877-779-3717
and schedule a free hardware review. We will work
with you to determine if any new equipment is required for your
site. Many of our customers find their existing hardware
is fine. If additional hardware is required we will work with
the hardware vendor of your choice to make sure you
purchase the correct equipment, but not overspend on items that
are not required. Please also see:
Overview of RDP Technology.
RDP software is designed to run in a Microsoft Windows client-server environment, which involves:
The
Data Server and IRM.Net
Server can be located at the property or at a remote location,
but they both must 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.
Thin clients using Citrix or Windows Terminal Server are
supported.Testing Hardware
Performance
As part of our free hardware review, we will install a test
program at your site to measure the performance of your data
server, IRM server, network, and each workstation. This is
by far the best way to determine if any new equipment is needed,
or upgrades to workstations. Customers usually have a mix
of workstations, some older, and some newer. Many
customers move their faster workstations to the high volume
areas, such as reservation and front desk, and move slower
workstations to low use areas. RDP does not sell hardware, but
if any upgrades are required we will work with the vendor of
your choice to make sure you purchase the correct equipment, but
do not overspend on unneeded items.
Data Server Configuration
RDP software is designed for Microsoft Windows Server.
RDP supports Server 2012 Standard R2. 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, reservations made by a guest using RDP's
Internet Reservation Module (IRM) are stored on
the data server immediately providing
true last room availability.
The RDP Data Server configuration depend on many factors that can include:
- Current network configuration
- Number of workstation needed
- Existing hardware
- Number of rooms at the property
One of the main goals of the initial hardware review will be
to determine if your existing server can be used for the RDP
software, and if not to suggest a cost effective upgrade.
RAID Technology or Mirrored Drives
RDP strongly recommends the data server disk drive system installed is either mirrored or using
RAID 5 technology. Both technologies provide data redundancy, as each
byte of data is written to the disk drive system twice. If the first
location fails the data can be retrieved from the second location. All
levels of RAID technology are supported.
Peer-to-Peer Networking for Small Systems
For small networks, it is possible to use
peer-to-peer networking instead of a Windows Server.
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 Supported
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 Microsoft Windows server, but usually the less
expensive models are all that is needed. During our
initial hardware we will work with you to make sure you buy the
correct server.
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 server. As more
non-RDP applications are installed on the RDP data server, there
is a potential for performance degradation. To
determine how many different applications can coexist on the
same server is a topic we will discuss with your during our
hardware review. Computer servers have become
relatively inexpensive. If you have several significant
applications in addition to RDP it is a much better to have a
dedicated server for RDP than to risk the potential conflicts and
performance degradation that can occur when loading multiple
large applications
on the same server.
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 very few workstations.
Workstation/Interface Configuration
RDP supports Pro versions of Microsoft Windows 10 , 8.1, 8,
and 7. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows work
fine with RDPWin. During our hardware test we will determine
if all existing workstations can work with RDP.
Network Cards and Switches/Hubs
Network cards allow workstations to communicate with the data
server. They are critical to system performance, since a great deal
of data travels between the data server and workstations.
A 100mb network or faster is required.
Remote workstations and thin clients can be connected with
Citrix or Terminal server. See
Using RDPWin Remotely w/ Citrix or Terminal Server for details
on terminal server requirements.
A backup system is required for all RDP systems. Any backup
system can be used, including:
- Removable hard disk
- Tape
- On-line
- Pervasive Data Exchange Replication Software
For more information see,
RDP
Data to Backup Daily.
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 required by PCI. There are
several recommended ports that need to be open in order
to run RDPWin, IRM.Net and Pervasive.
See
Important Ports for more information. |
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 hub/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. New and existing customers must purchase Pervasive from RDP. This purchase includes documentation and support of current Pervasive versions with the RDP programs.
For pricing, 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 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 between the RDP system and the interface device.
At most, two interfaces share one bridge computer. To
reduce costs, please order these interface computers with two
serial ports. For each interface, a serial port and
cable are required.
For details, 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 outgoing SMTP e-mail server
must be configured. Note: Microsoft provides an SMTP
server at no charge with every copy of Windows Server.
See RDP
Email Marketing. |
Related Documents
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