Resort Data Processing, Inc.

Providing Quality Hospitality Software for Vacation Rentals,
Condo-Hotels, Resorts, Timeshare, Campgrounds & more since 1981.

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Resort Data Processing Technology Overview

 

This article describes the technology behind Resort Data Processing's RDPWin software from both a hardware and software standpoint.  After reading this article, existing RDP customers should also read Adding RDPWin to an Existing RDP System. Also see:  Hardware Required

RDP Technology Topics Covered in this Document

RDPWin Uses Latest Microsoft Technology - ".NET"

The RDPWin product uses Microsoft's ".Net" technology for Windows.  Microsoft has spent billions of dollars developing ".Net" as their platform of the future.  Learn more about ".Net" at http://www.microsoft.com/net/.

High Performance Access with Many Workstations

RDP systems have always offered tremendous performance.  In a test database with over 500,000 guest history records, any one can be found and displayed in less than one second.  Scalability testing has shown over 100 workstations accessing the RDPWin database with excellent response times (less than 2 seconds).

An Easy-to-Use, Windows-Based, Graphical User Interface (GUI)

RDPWin is Windows-based software, using to full advantage Microsoft's Graphical User Interface (GUI).  Most people today are very comfortable with the familiar point and click Windows interface, graphical displays, fonts, pictures, graphs, etc.

RDPWin uses intuitive linked screens for booking reservations, checking guests in, reports, night audit, etc.  It is based on 20+ years of property management software experience.  A sample inventory display screen is below.

Click here to view more RDPWin screens.

Integrated Email Confirmations and Reports

RDPWin and the Internet Reservation Module automatically sends e-mails to all guests, owners, travel agents and groups who make reservations.  These confirmations can be completely customized for the appearance desired.  Additionally any system report can be sent via e-mail to and person our group in your address book.  For example you could e-mail the daily manager report to a group of ten managers simultaneously. 

E-Mail Related Topics

The following links are available for documents related to e-mail and Resort Data Processing:

Hardware Required

RDP software is designed for Microsoft operating systems, using single workstations, peer-to-peer networking (2-10 workstations), or Windows 2003/2008 Servers (over 10 workstations).  RDP does not sell hardware, but we will be glad to work with the vendor of your choice to ensure the correct configuration is purchased.  Please see Hardware Requirements for specifications. 

The diagram below shows how the RDP data server and optional Internet Reservation Module server are connected to the Internet and the Global Distribution System.

RDP Hardware Diagram - Call RDP Sales for additional information


Diagram Label 
(Click for Details)
Description of Component
Internet Reservation Module RDP's Internet Reservation Module (IRM) allows guests to make reservations using the Internet.  The IRM server provides secure, immediate access for guests, owners, travel agents, etc.
Frequent Guest Internet Access Points can be awarded for each reservation.  The number of points awarded is determined by season, room type, total dollars spent and other variables. Guests can pay for all or part of a reservations with points.  A complete history is kept of all points.
Remote Access to all System Functions 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.
Firewall A firewall is used to help prevent unauthorized access to your data
Router A router is connect 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.
Internet Cloud The "Internet Cloud" depicts the Internet.  Your network is connected to the "Internet Cloud" via the router and firewall.  Guests, owners, groups, travel agents and companies can make reservations and view account status through the Internet when connected to the IRM.
Internet Access for:
Owners, Groups,
Agents &  Wholesalers
RDP's Internet Reservation Module (IRM) can also be used by 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 data server.  See: Internet Reservation Module (IRM) overview.
Windows 2003/2008
Data Server
All data is stored on a Windows 2003/2008 data server (32-bit or 64-bit) at the property, which provides extremely high performance and complete control of your data.
Tape Backup A tape backup of the data server must be made every night.  RDP suggests using a different tape each day of the week and storing the tapes in a fireproof safe for ultimate security.
Windows XP Pro or
Vista (Business or Ultimate)
 Workstations





Fast, new  workstations are suggested





 
Suggested New Workstation 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 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 that meet or exceed those listed in RDP's Hardware Requirements document.

 

Test Existing Workstations
The best solution is to purchase all new workstations per RDP's Hardware Requirements document.  This assures all locations have the same great performance.  When older workstations are used, RDP suggests installing RDPWin and testing the performance to see if it is acceptable. 

If RDPWin is not fast enough on one or more of your older workstations, RDP suggests purchasing a new workstation - do not attempt to upgrade an older workstation.

 

Outgoing SMTP Software Required RDP sends guests, owners, groups, travel agents, and others e-mail from the IRM and our RDPWin products.

Optional Thin Client Deployment Of RDPWin

RDPWin can be installed on each workstation at the property or can be installed using a thin client environment using either Citrix or Terminal Services.  A combination can also be used, where some workstations have RDPWin installed directly and others use Thin Client.  See Hardware Requirements - Citrix or Terminal Services

Backed By 20+ Years of Property Management Software Experience

In 2001, Resort Data Processing celebrated its 20th anniversary of developing, installing, and supporting property management software.  Over the past 20 years, we have installed over 2000 property management systems in 20 countries on six continents.  The design of RDPWin is based on the feature set developed over those 20 years and used by over 2000 customers.  RDPWin combines the power of Microsoft's ".Net" technology and ease-of-use of Windows, while preserving and enhancing thousands of RDP features added over the years.

Click here for a complete list of RDP Modules.

RDPWin and the Internet Reservation Module (IRM)

RDPWin is fully compatible with RDP's Internet Reservation Module (IRM), which allows guests to make reservations over the Internet, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, directly into the RDP system, without paying reservation commissions.  RDPWin accepts reservations simultaneously from:

In the next five years, Resort Data Processing sees electronic distribution channels growing immensely.  RDPWin is prepared to integrate with these channels, and your property will be prepared to accept revenue from these electronic reservation sources. 

RDPWin Uses Windows-Based Crystal Reports

One of RDPWin's most powerful features is the ability to run Crystal Reports easily from various menus.  RDPWin allows remote owners, managers, or offsite employees (sales agents) to run reports from their remote office or travel destination. For example, a Group Sales Director at an industry tradeshow no longer has to contact the property to check availability. Instead, he or she simply connects to the Internet, logs on to RDPWin, and prints an up-to-date availability listing for a variety of dates. RDPWin's portable reporting capabilities eliminates phone calls and faxed and/or E-Mailed reports. Any RDPWin report that can be viewed at the property can be viewed from a remote site via the Internet!   

A sample Crystal Report appears below.  View additional Crystal Reports.

RDPWin and RDP's Legacy DOS System

Starting in 1982, RDP sold a DOS-based system to over 1000 customers.  These customers can now add the RDPWin system to access their existing database, without any conversion of system data.  RDPWin is available today for all existing RDPDOS customers.  Please see Adding RDPWIN for Existing RDP Customers.  Also, please review all the new modules available for new and existing RDP customers:

New Module Availability Requires
RDPWin
Other Requirements
Reservation Denial Tracking Now Yes RDPWin 2.xxx or higher
Change Tracking Direct from RDPWin Now Yes RDPWin 2.xxx or higher
Travel Services (Insurance, Security Deposit, etc.) Now Yes None
Housekeeping Forecasting, Scheduling, and History Now Yes None
Work Orders & Equipment / Room Inventory / Asset Mgmt. Now Yes None
Wireless or Wired Internet Access and  Billing  Now  No Bridge Computer
Booking Pace & Occupancy Forecasting Now No Crystal Reports
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) / Guest Rewards Now  Yes None
Room Key Interface: VingCard & Kaba Lock Systems Now No Bridge Computer
Virtual Store - Sell Other Items Using IRM Now No Internet Reservation Module (IRM)
Messaging - To Do List - Trace System Now Yes None
Video Check-out From Room Now No Movie Billing Interface
Conference Room & Activity Scheduling Now Yes None
Internet Reservation Module Now No Win2003 Bridge Server
Fast Credit Card Processing Via Internet Now No Installed by Protobase

Hotel / Resort Software Overview

Resort Data Processing (RDP) software has been installed since 1981at over 1000 locations worldwide (see customer list).  Please use the links below to learn more about RDP software for Hotels and Resorts. If you are renting homes or condominiums on a short term basis, please start with Vacation Rental Overview.  Timeshare properties should begin with our Timeshare Resort Overview.  Our Campground management system is also available.  Our systems are fully integrated, so all features in our hotel system are available for vacation rentals and timeshare resorts and vice versa.

Please contact RDP Sales for pricing information or to schedule an onsite demonstration.

Core RDP Modules Core RDP Modules Interfaces

 

Vacation Rental and Condo-Hotel Features & Links
Maximizing owner satisfaction and increasing management revenue since 1981
Hotel and Resort Overview
Vacation Rentals and Condo-Hotel Overview
Timeshare / Interval Ownership Overview
Discount Available When Converting to Resort Data Processing (RDP) from First Resort Software

Other Links in ResortData.com

RDP Overview Topics Internet Reservations (IRM) General

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