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Resort Data Processing, Inc. Providing
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Resort Data Processing's credit card interface partner, Southern DataComm (SDC), now offers high speed credit card authorizations and settlements via the Internet. An authorization that used to take over 30 seconds at check-in can process in less than six (6) seconds! See Overview of RDP Credit card authorization and processing. RDP now also provides tools for Payment Card Industry (PCI) Credit Card Compliance.
SDC's new service, ProtoBase Express, uses SDC's own private IP network for sending and receiving credit card authorizations. This new service works in the following manner.
The steps above are normally completed in a less than six seconds. The reduction in processing time can be attributed to the elimination of modem dialing and "handshaking." The packet of information is sent immediately using the Internet, and the response is returned immediately.
The following diagram depicts the steps listed above:
The benefits of high speed credit card processing over the Internet include:
Each of these benefits is explored in greater detail below.
Credit
card security for our customers is just one step in Payment Card Industry (PCI)
Compliance. Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance is different for every RDP customer
based on the volume of credit card transactions. There are many PCI
compliance requirements that must be satisfied which have nothing to do with
the RDP system. Every RDP customer must carefully examine the full
Visa Compliance Validation requirements.
Resort Data Processing (RDP) offers four levels of credit card security
available to RDP customers. Only Levels 3 and 4 are PCI compliant,
because they include data encryption and deletion of old credit card
information. RDP strongly recommends that all customers use Level 3 or 4
which require that RDPWin (not RDP-DOS) be used for making and changing
reservations, taking payments, checking-in and checking-out reservations,
etc.
It is the responsibility of each
customer to assure full PCI compliance. RDP is NOT
LIABLE for damages or fines related to any level of credit card
security, including Levels 1-4. RDP offers no
assistance, guarantees, or advice regarding PCI compliance, and cannot be
held liable for any damages resulting from customer failure to comply with
full PCI compliance standards.
With ProtoBase Express, credit card processing time for authorizations and sales is reduced from approximately 30 seconds with a modem connection, to less than six seconds. This reduction in processing time can be attributed to the elimination of modem dialing and "handshaking." With the standard SDC interface, a clerk swipes a card at check-in for incidental authorization, immediately hears the modem dial out, and make a series of beeps and buzzes in order to connect to the processor. With Internet processing, the packet of information is immediately sent to the SDC private network via the Internet. There is no dial-time or handshaking.
During a busy check-in day, when the line at the front desk may be ten guests deep, this time-saving credit card processing option could save each guest close to five minutes in line each! Anyone who travels knows that the last thing that makes them feel welcome at a property is a long line at check in.
The speed of credit card authorizations and sales with ProtoBase Express is comparable to major retail outlets such as Target or Wal-Mart. At these outlets, the customer's card is swiped for a sale, and the receipt is printed immediately. This same technology is now available for your property through ProtoBase Express.
During the audit process, properties normally perform a credit card audit and deposit (settlement). The settlement is the critical step in depositing credit card payments into the property's bank account. One of the most costly mistakes made at a property is a "double-settlement" due to a modem disconnect. With ProtoBase Express, the property has a full-time Internet connection making it highly unlikely that a settlement would be processed twice. Any property that has experienced a double-settlement knows that this benefit alone makes ProtoBase Express a viable option.
Another costly and time-consuming credit card processing problem is a charge-back. A credit card charge-back happens for any number of reasons from guest fraud to honest mistakes. One avoidable reason for guest charge-backs is a double-charge due to a modem disconnection. If a property employee attempts to run a card and the sale is completed without his or her knowledge, it is highly possible that the employee may run the sale again. In this scenario, the guest disputes the charge causing the property an expense (normally $15-$25) and time in research, correspondence, and mending the relationship. Again, ProtoBase Express eliminates the modem line, making credit card processing more reliable.
Whether your property uses the standard SDC interface or processes credit cards outside of the RDP system, the property pays for extra phone lines dedicated to processing credit cards. By installing ProtoBase Express, the property uses the Internet for credit card processing, thereby eliminating any monthly charges attributed to dedicated modem lines. This savings alone could add $400 - $800 per year to the property's bottom line.
Many RDP properties, specifically those in the Caribbean, are charged an access fee (or long distance charges) every time the modem dials out for a credit card authorization or sale. These access fees add up to a significant, monthly expense. With ProtoBase Express, the modem is eliminated as well as any per-call charges.
RDP has found that many credit card processing contracts include a .01 to .04 cent charge per modem connection. Many times, this charge can be reduced or eliminated by installing ProtoBase Express.
High-speed Internet credit card processing is available immediately from Southern DataComm. This cost associated with this service includes a one-time $350 installation fee and monthly fees negotiated based on property size.
To purchase ProtoBase Express, please contact the Southern DataComm sales representative directly:
You can also call RDP sales for general questions at 970-845-1140. Related links appear below.
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.
