|
Resort Data Processing, Inc. Providing
Quality Hospitality Software for Vacation Rentals, |
|
| Search | Hotels/Resorts | Vacation Rentals | Condo-Hotels | Timeshare/Fractional | Internet Reservations | Travel Services | Support | Contact Us | ||
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
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/.
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).
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.
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.
The following links are available for documents related to e-mail and Resort Data Processing:
RDP software is designed for Microsoft operating systems, using single workstations, peer-to-peer networking (2-10 workstations), or Windows 2000/2003 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 at 970-845-1140 for additional information |
|---|
|
|
| Diagram Label (Click for Details) |
Description of Component | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDP Direct Internet Reservation Module Optional Windows 2003 Server | 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. See: Internet Reservation Module (IRM) overview. | ||||
| 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. See Customer Relationship Management (CRM). | ||||
| 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: Condo Owners Group Pickup Travel 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. | ||||
|
Your Windows 2003 Data Server |
All data is stored on a Windows 2003 data server (32-bit) at the property, which provides extremely high performance and complete control of your data. Microsoft's Windows 2003 data server (64-bit) and Windows 2008 server are not yet supported by RDP. | ||||
| 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 Workstations Windows Vista not yet supported
New, fast workstations are suggested |
|
||||
| Outgoing SMTP Software Required | RDP sends guests, owners, groups, travel agents, and others e-mail from the IRM and our RDPWin products. See RDP E-mail Marketing. |
RDP is developing an automatic update process to update workstations with a new version of the software. This feature can save a tremendous amount of time installing RDPWin updates. The flow of events is as follows:
This feature should be available in 2007.
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
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 integrates the revenue-generating capabilities of the Global Distribution System (GDS). This feature allows your property to be visible to thousands of travel agents and potential guests on popular websites such as Travelocity, Orbitz, and Priceline.
Guests no longer have to contact travel agents to book hotel rooms. They simply point their browser to one of several hospitality booking websites, and make a reservation directly with the property! In the past, many RDP customers have elected not to participate in the GDS. However, with the number of GDS reservations increasing exponentially, it is critical to understand and utilize the GDS. RDPWin makes it so easy to be a part of the GDS, that there will be no reason not to accept the reservations (and revenue) that appear in your system each day! RDPWin's ".Net" simplifies the process of interfacing with the Global Distribution System.
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.
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.
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:
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.
A printed brochure and pricing is available by calling 970-845-1140 or download the brochure in Microsoft Word or Adobe format.
| RDP Overview Topics | Internet Reservations (IRM) | General |
|---|---|---|
