Global Distribution System (GDS) Interface

RDP can help increase the number of reservations received by your property from the Global Distribution System (GDS) using a three step approach, as follows:

Category	Overview
Internet Reservation Module (IRM)	RDP's Internet Reservation Module (IRM) allows millions of potential guests, groups, and travel agents to check availability and make reservations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The IRM is an RDP product and does not require you to sign up with a GDS provider. All reservations made via the Internet using the IRM are completely commission free. See IRM for details.
Sign up with GDS - RDPConnect	RDP's Internet Reservation Module (IRM) is the lowest cost channel for Internet Reservations, as they are commission free. However, the Global Distribution System should be used to capture reservations from Travel Agents and other Internet Websites. If you are not currently signed up with the GDS, see RDPConnect for details.
GDS Interface to Inn Link and VIP	For those customers already signed up with a GDS provider, RDP offers a one-way interface to load new reservations and changes from the GDS directly into the RDP database. This interface is currently available for InnLink and VIP. If you are working with a different provider, please call RDP Sales at 970-845-1140 for availability. This document describes the GDS one-way interface.

Overview of RDP GDS One-Way Interface

For an overview of how the Global Distribution System functions, please see RDPConnect. Reservations made via the GDS by travel agents or guests are stored by your GDS provider (Inn Link, VIP, etc). The RDP GDS one-way interface provides the ability to automatically load these reservations from the GDS provider into the RDP system. Features include:

When a reservation is made on the GDS, either by a travel agent or by a guest via a GDS travel website, it is automatically loaded into RDP.
Eliminates data entry of GDS reservations.
Since there is no data entry, it reduces errors from typos, etc.
Reservation changes or deletions made via the GDS are automatically loaded into RDP.
Tracking reports of all GDS reservations.
See RDP Connect for more information.

How the RDP GDS One-Way Interface Works

The best way to understand the RDP-GDS One-Way Interface is by following a sample reservation, using the diagram below:

You first sign up for the GDS with a GDS provider, such as InnLink or VIP. RDP can help with this process - see RDPConnect.
A travel agent can use their GDS terminal and make reservations for your property.
Guests can use any Internet booking website, such as Expedia, to make a reservations.
GDS Reservations from travel agents or guests are stored at the GDS provider (InnLink, VIP, Etc.).
The GDS One-Way Interface workstation at your property is connected to the GDS provider via the Internet. This workstation polls the GDS provider every few minutes looking for new reservations, changes, or deletions. When found, these new reservations or changes are automatically copied to your RDP data server by the interface workstation, via the local network Hub/Switch.
If RDP's optional Internet Reservation Module is installed, guests and travel agents can also make reservations directly into your system, without using the GDS or paying commissions. See IRM for details.

RDP Data Server

All Reservations end up in the RDP Data Server at your property without re-entry of data.

Ø GDS reservations are automatically loaded with RDP’s GDS interface.

Ø Owners can reserve their property for themselves or their guests using the IRM

Ø Travel agents and guests can use either the commission free IRM <or> any of thousands of GDS powered Websites.

IRM Lowest Cost Channel

All reservations via the IRM are by far the lowest cost channel, since there are no commissions or fees paid to RDP, the GDS provider, or a third party internet Website

Owners

Owners use the RDP IRM for all Internet Access, including owner and guest of owner reservations, entering and reviewing work orders and statements, etc.

GDS One-Way Interface Workstation Hardware Requirements

A workstation at the property is used to run the RDP GDS One-Way Interface software. This workstation must have the following requirements:

It must be connected to the Internet at all times, so the workstation can connect to the GDS provider to fetch new reservations and changes.
If there is a firewall at the property, it must be configured to allow Internet traffic to the workstation. Call RDP support at 970-845-7108 for specific port information.
The operating system must be Windows XP Professional with all service packs (including Service Pack 2) installed or Windows Vista (Business or Ultimate).
Minimum of 1 GB RAM memory.
Minimum Pentium 3 GHz processor (CPU).
Pervasive Client V9.xx or higher (including all service packs) must be installed on the workstation.
It must be connected to the same hub or switch as the RDP Data Server with 100 MB Ethernet or faster.

This workstation may be used for other functions, such as the Call Accounting interface.

Sample Screens for RDP 1-Way GDS Interface

Once the RDP 1-Way GDS interface is launched, the Main window will display. In order to start the interface, click the GREEN button in the window's upper-left hand corner. To have the interface automatically turn on when RDPGDS.exe is first loaded, type "StartNow" after RDPGDS.exe. (Start | Run | C:\RDPGDS\RDPGDS.exe StartNow) You can add "StartNow" in the Target line of the RDPGDS shortcut. To stop the interface, click the RED button in the window's upper-left hand corner.

GDS Information Section

The GDS Information section displays information defined in the System Settings option.

Last File Processed Section

The "Last File Processed" section parses the GDS reservation into specific fields, making the reservation easier to interpret. Each field is described below.

Field	Description
Reservation(s) Made	Lists the numbers of the RDP Reservations that were created.
Reservation(s) Changed	Lists the numbers of the RDP Reservations that were changed.
Reservation(s) Cancelled	Lists the numbers of the RDP Reservations that were cancelled.
Guest Info	Shows name, address, phone number, and email of the guest.
Travel Agent Info	Shows IATA #, name, address, phone number, and email of the travel agent.
Company Info	Shows the group #, name, address, phone number, and email of the company.
Arrival	Arrival date.
Nights	Number of nights.
Departure	Arrival date plus the number of nights.
Adults	Number of adults.
Children	Number of children.
# of Rooms	For some vendors, the GDS reservation can have up to 3 different room types. This field holds the number of rooms for each room type.
Room Type	Room type (can be up to 3 different room types).
Rate	Rate for each room type.
Rate Code	GDS rate code followed by the RDP rate plan.
Currency	The currency that the rate is in.
Credit Card Info	Credit card type, number and expiration date.

Error Section

The error section displays the last error encountered since the program was started. This section also keeps track of how many files were processed, how many were good, and how many were errors. The files that incurred errors get moved to the "Errors" folder within the "Move To Path", so the file with the error isn't continuously being processed. Errors are also entered in the log file.

Check Directory Section

Below is detailed information regarding checking the directory.

Field	Description
Last Time Checked	Last time the "GDS File Path" directory was checked.
Next Time to Check	20 seconds after the last time the directory was checked. (The directory is checked every 20 seconds).
Check Directory Now	Click this button to immediately check the directory .

Other New RDP Modules

New Module Name & Link	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 Management	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 Vision 3000	Now	No	Bridge Computer
Virtual Store - Sell Other Items Using Internet Reservation Module	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
Global Distribution System Interface (GDS)	Now	No	Bridge Computer
Fast Credit Card Processing Via Internet	Now	No	Installed by SDC

Hotel / Resort Software Overview

Resort Data Processing (RDP) software has been installed since 1981 at 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.

A printed brochure and pricing is available by calling 970-845-1140 or download the brochure in Microsoft Word or Adobe format.

Core RDP Modules	Core RDP Modules	Interfaces
Technology Overview - RDPWIN Sample Screens Sample Reports Reservations Rates & Yield Management Packages Front Desk & Night Audit Groups & Conferences Travel Agents/Wholesalers Guest History & Marketing Housekeeping Scheduling General Ledger - Hotels Trust Accounting - Owners E-Mail Marketing Crystal Reports Training Hardware Requirements	Internet Reservation Module (IRM) Vacation Rentals (Condo Accounting) Timeshare & Interval Ownership Campground Management Guest Itinerary & Concierge Activity Scheduling (bike rentals, etc) Wait List / Denial Tracking / Res Quotes Frequent Guest/Rewards Work Orders & Asset Management Booking Pace & Forecasting Virtual Store On Internet Messaging/To-Do List Change Tracking 24-Hour Support Customer List RDP Headquarters in Vail Customer List and Comments	Overview Of All Interfaces Global Distribution System (GDS) Central Reservations SDC Credit Card Interface High Speed Credit Card Authorization In-Room Video Checkout Call Accounting Phone Actuator (On/Off) Point Of Sale Voicemail Maid-Phone (Housekeeping) Environmental Back-Office Accounting Vacation Rental Trust Accounting Nomadix Wireless Internet Billing Room Key (Ving Card, etc.) RDP Partners and Alliances

Vacation Rental and Condo-Hotel Features & Links
Maximizing owner satisfaction and increasing management revenue since 1981
Data Flows from Reservations to Owner Statement Full Trust Accounting Capabilities Equalize Owner Rental Revenue Pay Bills for Owners and Guests Powerful Reservation Board (Tape Chart) Work Orders & Asset Management Housekeeping Forecast, Schedule, & History Mix of Rental Types - Condos, Houses, Hotels, Timeshare Internet Reservations with Pictures and Virtual Tours Live Demonstration of Internet Reservations E-mail Integration for Guests, Owners, etc. Short Term and/or Long Term Rental Lock-Off Units Allowed Manage Units Not in the Rental Pool Extensive Custom Reporting with Crystal Reports Reservation Quotes, Wait List, and Denial Tracking Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Travel Agent Commissions Deducted Unlimited Charges Per Owner	Various Billing Cycles - Monthly, Quarterly, etc. Split Revenue Across Billing Period Fast Production of Owner Statements Month-to-Date & Year-to-Date Totals Per Owner Statements Can Always Be Reprinted Print Checks to Owners Integration to GDS, POS, Phones, Credit Cards, etc. Accounts Receivable with Aging Automatically Print or E-mail Overdue Notices IRS 1099 Year-End Reports Room Moves Pay Correct Owner Yield Management Integrated Sharewith Folios or One Guest With Multiple Folios Taxes Adjusted for Length of Stay and Location Timeshare and Interval Ownership Allowed All RDP Hotel Features Available for Owner Systems Customer List and Quotes Home Page - Vacation Rentals & Condominium Hotels Why Buy From RDP?
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

Internet Reservation Info & Demos:
Condo-Hotel IRM.Net Demo Vacation Rental IRM.Net Demo Timeshare IRM.Net Demo Hotel/Resort IRM.Net Demo Campground IRM.Net Demo	Unit-Owner Account Access via the Internet Sample IRM.Net Screens Internet Reservation Overview IRM.net Knowledge Base Articles

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