Home RDP Sales Contact Us Training  
RDP Support  

     Open a Web Support Ticket

RDPWin
Knowledge Base
RDP-DOS
Knowledge Base
IRM and IRM.Net
Knowledge Base
Crystal
Knowledge Base
         

Linking options from your Marketing Web Site to the IRM

Last Modified 1/1/2007

Once the IRM is installed, configured and tested, hyperlinks need to be added to access the IRM on the marketing website.  These links enable a guest, travel agent, group, wholesaler or vacation rental owner to easily make reservations and access other IRM functions.  Links to the IRM can be added to various locations on your marketing web site.

Links to the IRM can have any wording, such as "Make a reservation now" or "Owner Login" and should appear in multiple locations on the marketing web site.  Buttons, text, graphics, etc. can be used to enhance the appearance of the links. This document explains the various linking options and is intended for someone familiar with HTML programming and hyperlinks.  RDP support does not provide HTML training.  The following issues are critical regarding linking.

Critical Issue Explanation
Update the IRM to
 Version 2.332 or higher!
11/7/2007 - There have been a number of important fixes to the IRM.  The links in this page assume you have IRM version 2.332 or higher.  See "IRM Update Page".
Do Not Modify IRM ASP Pages The IRM consists of a series of ASP pages that contain programming code.  Do not modify any IRM ASP pages in any way.  Modification of ASP pages is cause for termination of the RDP support contract.
Start a New Browser Window It is critical that the link from the marketing web site to the IRM always start a new browser window, using the JavaScript "window.open" function.  Do not use the HTML tag option  "target=blank".  See "Start a New Browser Window" below.  

Warning:  Do not put the IRM into an HTML Frame.  It will not work.  Always link to a completely new browser window that only has the IRM.

Eliminate the Back button and Toolbars on Browser The "Back" and "Forward" buttons on browsers were designed many years ago for "static" websites, where the pages did not change.  These buttons redisplay the pages based on the information stored on the users computer, not the current information on the website.  As a result, these buttons do not work with the IRM, or any other "dynamic" web application and must be removed from the guests browser.  See "Eliminate the Back button and Toolbar on Browser" below.
  Decide on  IRM starting Page

It is possible to link from the marketing web site to the IRM to different starting points.  For example, a travel agent or owner can link directly to the login page, while a guest can link directly to a list of available rooms.  See:  "Starting Page in IRM available for Linking" below.

Duplicate Session Warning

Under some conditions when a guest attempts to start the IRM from a link on your marketing website they may receive a "Session running" warning.  See KI0059  to eliminate this problem.

The diagram below shows the data flow when a guest starts with your marketing website and then links to the IRM. 

Data Flow From Marketing Website to IRM

Start a New Browser for the IRM from your Marketing Website

It is critical that all links from the marketing web site to any start page in the IRM always launch a new browser window.  This provides the guest two browser windows, one with your marketing site, and the other with the IRM.  If the guest closes the IRM, your marketing site is still on the screen which allows the guest to easily go back and forth between your marketing site and the IRM.  The following link starts RDP's demonstration IRM in a new window AND removes the back/forward buttons in the browser and should be used as a model by your website designers for all links to the IRM: 

Sample link using new browser without back and forward buttons: Make a new Reservation in RDP's IRM Demonstration System.

Please also review Linking Options from Your Marketing Website to the IRM.

Warning:  Do not put the IRM into an HTML Frame.  It will not work.  Always link to a completely new browser window that only has the IRM.

Eliminate the Back button and Toolbar on Browser

The "Back" and "Forward" buttons on browsers were designed many years ago for "static" websites.  Static sites do not change.  These buttons redisplay the pages based on the information stored on the user's computer; not the current information on the website.  As a result, these buttons do not work with the IRM, or any other "dynamic" web application, because they attempt to display "old data".  To understand this concept, lets look at an example:

  1. A guest uses the IRM to display available rooms or room types for a date range.  
  2. The IRM connects to your data server and finds the available rooms at that instant and displays them on the guest's browser.
  3. The guest selects an available room or room type, which causes the IRM to move on to the detail screen for that room or room type showing pictures, descriptions, etc.  
  4. The user is distracted and waits 15 minutes on the room detail page, and then clicks the "back" button on the browser. 
  5. The browser attempts to redisplay the previous page showing availability from the information stored on the guest's computer, which is now 15 minutes old.  Unfortunately, this data may no longer be accurate.  Other internal workstations or Internet users may have made reservations.  
  6. Instead of using the browser "Back" button, if the user selects the button inside the IRM for "Select a different room", then the IRM redisplays the available rooms based on the current system data which is up to date.

The solution to this problem is:

  1. Eliminate the back and forward buttons from the guest browser using the procedures below.
  2. Always start a new browser when linking to the IRM from your marketing website.  This allows the guest to go "Back" to the marketing website by closing the IRM browser.

The combination of these two steps provides the guest two browser windows, one with your marketing site and one for the IRM, without the "back and forward" buttons.  If the guest closes the IRM, your marketing site is still on the screen.  This allows the guest to easily go back and forth between the marketing site and the IRM.

The following link starts RDP's demonstration IRM in a new window AND removes the back/forward buttons in the browser and should be used as a model by your website designers for all links to the IRM:

Sample Link from Marketing site to IRM with a new browser without back & Forward buttons:   Make a new Reservation in RDP's IRM Demonstration System" 

Please also review Linking Options from Your Marketing Website to the IRM.

Procedures for eliminating the Back and Forward buttons from the Guest Browser
Warning:  These steps are designed for use by someone familiar with HTML programming and JavaScript.  
Insert JavaScript on each page on the marketing site that links to the IRM Insert the following JavaScript onto each page on the marketing website that contains a link to the IRM:

<script language=javascript>
function StartIRM(filename)
{
window.open(filename,"","scrollbars,resizable,status")
}
</script>

Use the following link & start a new Browser with each link

<a href='javascript:StartIRM("Link")'>

The word "Link" above should be replaced with the normal IRM link option.  See Linking options from your marketing website to the IRM

Sample Link 

Using New Browser &
No Back/Forward Buttons

To see a sample of what the browser will look like without the back button and tool bars click on the link below.

Starting Page in IRM Available for Linking 

It is possible to link from the marketing website to the IRM to different starting points as described below.  Regardless of what starting point is used, it is critical to always:  

  1. Eliminate the back and forward buttons from the guest browser.  See "Eliminate back & forward buttons" 
  2. Always start a new browser when linking to the IRM from your marketing website.  This allows the guest to go "Back" to the marketing website by closing the IRM browser.  See "Always start a new browser for the IRM". 

The combination of these two steps provides the guest two browser windows, one with your marketing site, the other with the IRM, without the "back and forward" buttons.  If the guest closes the IRM, your marketing site will still be on the screen.  This allows the guest to easily go back and forth between the marketing site and the IRM.

IRM Starting Point Explanation
Access Type The Access Type screen allows entry to the IRM for all reservation categories.  The user must then select a  reservation category, which can include:  paying guests, travel agents, groups, wholesalers, brochure requests, and vacation rental owners.
Link to  Login Screen The IRM can also make reservations for returning guests, travel agents, groups, wholesalers and vacation rental owners.  It is possible to bypass the Access Type screen and link directly to the Login screen.  
Link to Date Entry Many RDP customers would prefer to skip the Access Type page and take paying guests directly to the Date Entry screen and then show all room types or room numbers that are available for those dates. 
Link Directly to Available Room Types or Room Numbers It is possible to collect the arrival date and departure date using a form on your marketing website and then link directly to the available room numbers or room types in the IRM.  This bypasses both the IRM access type screen and the date entry screen.   This feature is designed for customers using the IRM to make reservations either by room type (inventory reservations) or room number (pre-assign reservations).  To implement this feature requires someone familiar with HTML forms and programming to create a form on your marketing website to collect the arrival date, departure date, and other information.  
Link to Specific Room Type or Room Number   It is also possible to link to a specific room type (Inventory reservations) or room number.  For example, you could put a complete description of your "Penthouse Suites" on your marketing web site, and then add a link for "Check availability for penthouse suites".  Or, for our vacation rental customer, you may have a complete description of each rental unit on your marketing site and wish to link add a link for "Check availability of this unit number".
Linking to Multiple RDP Databases from one IRM Server Many RDP customers have more than one RDP database.   It is possible to use one IRM server to access multiple RDP databases, provided the IRM server and the data server are connected locally to the same hub or switch.  It is not possible to connect the IRM to a data server that is remotely connected, such as over a T1 line.  See IRM Hardware Requirements.

For example, one RDP customer manages 8 different properties, which include 5 hotels, 2 condo-hotels, and a timeshare resort.  This customer has a data center with two data servers (four RDP databases on each data server) and one IRM server, all at the same location.  The properties connect to the data center with Microsoft Terminal Services.  In this example the one IRM server can make reservations for all 8 properties which reside on two different data servers.

Link to Specific Property Code in one RDP Database

Many RDP customers divide a single data directory into specific property codes, which are set up using menu 98, option 090, table "R2 - Property Code Definition".  For example, a vacation rental operation may manage 20 units in the "Wildflower" building as property code WF and 30 in the Eagle Mountain building as property code EM.  All 50 room numbers are in one RDP data directory, which is RDP01.  When making reservation the guest can select any property code, such as WF and then all available room numbers of that property code are displayed.

It is possible to link directly from your marketing website to a specific RDP data directory, with the default property code already set.  For example, you may want to put a description and pictures of the Wildflower building on your marketing web site, and then include a link for "Make a reservation for Wildflower Condos".

Link to RDP Database and Property Code

Some RDP customers have an environment where they have multiple RDP data directories AND they use property codes to separate unit numbers in each data directory.  It is possible to link to a specific RDP data directory AND a specific property code in that data directory:

Linking to the IRM with or without a SSL Certificate

The IRM can be used with or without a SSL Certificate for secure access (see "Installation of SSL Certificate").  Lets look at a few terms:

Term Explanation
IRM Server The IRM server is the Windows 2000/2003 server where RDP's Internet Reservation Module (IRM) software is installed.  See "IRM Overview".
RDP Data Server The RDP data server holds all data and is accessed by the IRM server, as well as all workstations.  See "RDP Hardware Overview"
Internal IP Address The IRM server and RDP data server will both have Internal IP addresses, which are behind the firewall and are used to communicate between the IRM and the data server.  For RDP's demonstration IRM server, the internal IP address is: 192.168.43.7
Use External IP Address of IRM if no SSL Certificate and use http in link The IRM needs an external IP address, which can be accessed outside your firewall.  For RDP's demonstration IRM server, the external address is 65.38.150.7.  The firewall must be configured to receive Internet TCP/IP packets on the external address (65.38.150.7) and re-direct them to the internal address of the IRM server, 192.168.43.7.   Note:  see "Firewall Ports to Open".

When linking from your marketing site to the IRM server, if you are not using a SSL certificate, always use the external IP address of the IRM server in the link, such as:  http://65.38.150.7/irm,  which is the RDP test IRM server.

Use SSL Certificate name if SSL Installed

Link with http, not https

If a SSL certificate is purchased, it will have a name.  For RDP's demonstration IRM server, the name is "IRM.Resortdata.com", which is set at the DNS level to the external address of the IRM server, in this example, 65.38.150.7.  When using a SSL certificate, the link from the marketing web site to the IRM must always use the certificate name, such as http://irm.resortdata.com/IRM, which is the RDP test IRM server.

Warning:  Always use HTTP (port 80) in the link and not HTTPS (port 443) when linking to the IRM.  This significantly improves the IRM performance when checking availability, which does not require a data encryption.   The IRM will automatically switch to secure mode (port 443) when moving to the data entry page that includes the guest credit card number.

Linking to Access Type Page

To hyperlink from the marketing website to the IRM access type page use the following links, depending on if a SSL certificate is installed or not.  The samples below are for RDP test IRM server:

Security Type Link to use Notes
No SSL Installed http://65.38.150.7/irm Replace the IP address with the external IP address of your IRM server
SSL Installed http://irm.resortdata.com/IRM Replace "irm.resortdata.com" with your  SSL Name.  Note:  Use http, not https in the link.  The IRM will shift to https when needed automatically

 Make Reservation Now

With both links above the IRM uses the default data directory set in c:\Inetpub\wwwroot\IRM\IRMPath.txt for locating the RDP Data Server.  See Using Multiple RDP databases with one IRM ServerA sample of the Access Type page is below

Sample Booking Link on a Button

The link below is an example of using a button to link from the marketing web site to the IRM.  If you click on the button below it will take you to the demonstration IRM at RDP.  The link on the button is:  http://irm.resortdata.com/IRM.  You could also put on your marketing site, Make Reservation Now

Link to Date Entry Screen

Many RDP customers would prefer to skip the access type page and take paying guests directly to the date entry screen and then show all room types or room numbers that are available for those dates.  This can be accomplished with the links below:

Category

Link to Use
New Guest Reservation if guest is allowed to select a particular room number (pre-assign reservations) http://irm.resortdata.com/irm/Rooms1.asp
New Guest Reservation when guest selects a room type only (Inventory reservations) or if using the IRM to pick a room type and then automatically assign a room number.  http://irm.resortdata.com/irm/RoomType1.asp
Warning:   For all links above if you are not using a SSL certificate, replace the "irm.resortdata.com" with the external IP address of the IRM server.  If using a SSL certificate, then replace irm.resortdata.com with your SSL name.  Note: Use http, not https in the link in all cases.  The IRM will shift to https when needed automatically.

Link to Availability Screen

It is possible to collect the arrival date and departure date using a form on your marketing website and then link directly to the available room numbers or room types in the IRM.  This bypasses both the IRM access type screen and the date entry screen.   This feature is designed for customers using the IRM to make reservations either by room type (inventory reservations) or room number (pre-assign reservations).  To implement this feature requires someone familiar with HTML forms and programming to create a form on your marketing website to collect the arrival date, departure date, and other information.

Link to Login Screen

The IRM can also make reservations for returning guests, travel agents, groups, wholesalers and vacation rental owners.  It is possible to bypass the Access Type screen and link directly to the Login screen.

Category

Link to Use
Existing Guest Login http://irm.resortdata.com/irm/AccessID.asp?AccessType=Guest
Travel Agent Login http://irm.resortdata.com/irm/AccessID.asp?AccessType=Agent
Group/Wholesaler Login http://irm.resortdata.com/irm/AccessID.asp?AccessType=Group
Owner Login http://irm.resortdata.com/irm/AccessID.asp?AccessType=Owner
Brochure Request http://irm.resortdata.com/irm/AccessID.asp?AccessType=Brochure
Warning:   For all links above if you are not using a SSL certificate replace the "irm.resortdata.com" with the external IP address of the IRM server.  If using a SSL certificate, then replace irm.resortdata.com with your SSL name.  Note:  Use http, not https in the link in all cases.  The IRM will shift to https when needed automatically.

Link to Room Type or Room Number Screen

It is also possible to link to a specific room type (Inventory reservations) or room number.  For example, you could put a complete description of your "Penthouse Suites" on your marketing web site, and then add a link for "Check availability for penthouse suites".  Or, for our vacation rental customer, you may have a complete description of each rental unit on your marketing site and wish to link add a link for "Check availability of this unit number". 

Category

Link to Use
Link Direct to room type (unit type1B in this example) http://irm.resortdata.com/irm/RoomDetail.asp?Type=1B
Link direct to Room Number (room 721 in this example) http://irm.resortdata.com/irm/Calendar.asp?Room=721
For all links above if you are not using a SSL certificate replace the "irm.resortdata.com" with the external IP address of the IRM server.  If using a SSL certificate, then replace irm.resortdata.com with your SSL name.  Note:  Use http, not https in the link in all cases.  The IRM will shift to https when needed automatically.

Example - Link to a Specific Room Number from Marketing Site 

As an example of linking to a specific room number, see www.vailrealty.com.   If you click on the link below for "book this unit now", it will take you to the demonstration IRM server at RDP, using the link: http://irm.resortdata.com/irm/Calendar.asp?Room=721

Link to Available Room types

It is possible to collect the arrival and departure dates using a form on your marketing website and then link directly to the available room type display in the IRM.  This bypasses both the Access Type screen and the Date Entry screen.   See Link directly  to available room types.

Note: This feature is designed for customers using the IRM to make reservations by unit type (inventory reservations).  It does not work for customers who allow guests to select an available room number (pre-assign reservations).

Linking to Multiple RDP Databases from One IRM Server

Many RDP customers have more than one RDP database.   It is possible to use one IRM server to access multiple RDP databases, provided the IRM server and the data server are connected locally to the same hub or switch.  It is not possible to connect the IRM to a data server that is remotely connected, such as over a T1 line.  See IRM Hardware RequirementsLet's assume a customer has three RDP databases on one data server, with the databases in the following locations:

The IRM can link to any of the three databases.  Each database can have unique HTML screens for policies, room type descriptions, rates, etc.  A sample link is below:

Field Explanation
http:// Always start with http://, even if you are using a SSL certificate.  The IRM will switch to SSL mode (port 443) when needed
SSLNameorExternalIP/ Put your SSL name (irm.resortdata.com) or external IP address (65.38.150.7) here.  End with a "/" to separate the field.
IRM/default.asp?IrmPath=// Always place "IRM/default.asp?IrmPath=//" after the SSL name or IP address.  Note:  You must have two "//" after the "IRMPath"!
dataservername/Path/Path Put in the name of the RDP data server where the data for this RDP data directory is stored.  For example, if the RDP data server is named "RDPData", and there is a shared folder RDPNT on this data server, the path becomes:

RDPData/RDPNT/RDP/

&IRMResort=xx The last part of the link is "&IRMResort=xx", where "xx" is the data directory.  In this example, the "xx" will be one of:
  • 01 (Oceanland Condominiums)
  • 02 (The Island Hotel)
  • 03 (The Villas)
&Country=yy The IRM contains user defined HTML files to customize the IRM, including your reservation policies, unit type descriptions, pictures, etc.  When using multiple RDP databases with one IRM server it is possible to have different HTML files for each data directory.  These folders are found on the IRM server in C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\IRM\ as follows:

 

Folder Purpose
Images When using the IRM for two or more RDP systems, you may wish to have a different picture for each property on the opening IRM page.  Or you may have a "DD" unit type in each property, and need different pictures for a "DD" in property 1 and a "DD" in property 2.  This is possible in the IRM as follows:

The IRM uses the same Images folder all the time.  There is a checkbox in the "appearance" section of the IRM configuration for:

  • Use Alternate image names based on country logic

If this is checked the IRM puts the "country code" into the images name.  For example, the opening image is "Property_1.JPG".  If this is checked, and you have set up an "02" and "03" userHTML folder, the system looks for:

File Name Country code
Property_1.JPG For default folder
02Property1.JPG For country=02
03Property1.JPG For country=03

The naming convention above is used for all images on all pages.  All images are placed in the Images folder, for all countries.  The UserText and UserHTML files must be in different folders based on the logic below.

UserHTML User defined HTML files if the country override is not used.  Normally the default UserHTML folder is used for the RDP01 data directory.
UserText User defined text files if the country override is not used.  Normally the default UserText  folder is used for the RDP01 data directory.
02UserHTML User defined HTML files for the RDP02 data directory should be placed in the 02UserHTML folder.  The link should then include the parameter "&country=02".
02UserText User defined text  files for the RDP02 data directory should be placed in the 02UserText folder.  The link should then include the parameter "&country=02".
03UserHTML User defined HTML files for the RDP03 data directory should be placed in the 03UserHTML folder.  The link should then include the parameter "&country=03".
03UserText User defined text  files for the RDP03 data directory should be placed in the 03UserText folder.  The link should then include the parameter "&country=03".

 

Sample Link1:    http://IRM.Resortdata.com/irm/default.asp?

The link above does not contain a data file path override or a UserHTML path override.  It uses the default data paths.  It will link to the IRM server based on the SSL security certificate  IRM.Resortdata.com.  It uses the data path found in the  C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\IRM\IRMPath.txt file, which should be set to the RDP01 data directory.  The user defined HTML files are found in the default "UserHTML" folder and the user text files are found in the default "UserText" folder on the IRM server in C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\IRM.

Sample Link2:    http://IRM.Resortdata.com/irm/default.asp?Irmpath=//RDPData/RDPNT/RDP&IRMResort=02&country=02

The link above will go to the IRM server based on the SSL security certificate  IRM.Resortdata.com.  It sets the default data server to "RDPData", to a folder on that server "RDPNT/RDP02".  The "country=02" sets the path for the user defined HTML files to 02UserHtml and the user defined text files to "02UserText".  

Sample Link3:    http://65.38.150.7/irm/default.asp?Irmpath=//RDPData/RDPNT/RDP&IRMResort=03&country=03

The link could be used if you did not have a SSL certificate.  The link will go to the IRM server at the external IP address 65.38.150.7.  It sets the default data server to "RDPData", to a folder on that server "\\RDPNT\RDP03".  The "country=03" sets the path for the user defined HTML files to 03UserHtml and the user defined text files to "03UserText".  

Using RDP Property Codes within on RDP data directory

Many RDP customers divide a single data directory into specific "property codes", which are set up using menu 98, option 090, table "R2 - Property Code Definition".  For example, a vacation rental operation may manage 20 units in the "Wildflower" building as property code "WF" and and 30 in the "Eagle Mountain" building as property code "EM".  All 50 room numbers are in in one RDP data directory, which is RDP01.  When making reservation the guest can select any property code, such as "WF", and then all available room numbers of that property code are displayed.  

It is possible to link directly from your marketing website to a specific RDP data directory, with the default property code already set.  For example, you may want to put a description and pictures of the "Wildflower building" on your marketing website, and then include a link for "make a reservation for Wildflower Condos Now".  This link would be formatted as follows:

Sample Link1:    http://IRM.Resortdata.com/irm/default.asp?Propcode=WV

The link above uses the default data path found in the C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\IRM\IRMPath.txt file, which should be set to the RDP01 data directory. The property code is set to "WV" (Wildflower in this example).   The user defined HTML files are found in the default "UserHTML" folder and the user text files are found in the default "UserText" folder on the IRM server in C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\IRM.

Hide Property Code Choices from Guest

It is possible to turn off the ability for a guest to change the property code.  On the IRM options page there is a checkbox in the reservation section for "Show property codes (Locations) on Room & Room Type Listing Page.  If this is not checked the guest will only be able to view properties in the property code passed from the marketing website. 

Link to RDP Data Directory, Property Codes
and UserHTML folders Simultaneously

Some RDP customers have an environment where they have multiple RDP data directories AND they use property codes to separate unit numbers in each data directory.  It is possible to link to a specific RDP data directory AND a specific property code in that data directory as follows:

http://IRM.Resortdata.com/irm/default.asp?Irmpath=//RDPData/RDPNT/RDP&IRMResort=02&PropCode=WV&Country=02

The link above will go to the IRM server based on the SSL security certificate IRM.Resortdata.com. It sets the default data server to "RDPData", to a folder on that server "RDPNT\RDP02". The property code is set to "WV" (Wildflower in this example).  The "country=02" sets the path for the user defined HTML files to 02UserHtml and the user defined text files to "02UserText".

Warning:  When using Property codes AND the country=xx parameter to switch the UserHTML folder, all user defined files for all property codes, unit types, and unit numbers in the entire database found in the RDP02 directory.  The "country" logic is "per data directory", not "per property code in a data directory".  The relationship is as follows:

RDP Data File Location UserHTML Folder User Text Folder Property Code Explanation
\RDP\RDP01 UserHTML UserText All user files for any unit number, unit type or Property code for the RDP01 database are placed in the default folders UserHTML and UserText
\RDP\RDP02 02UserHTML 02UserText All user files for any unit number, unit type or Property code for the RDP02 database are placed in the override folders 02UserHTML and 02UserText
\RDP\RDP03 03UserHTML 03UserText All user files for any unit number, unit type or Property code for the RDP03 database are placed in the override folders 03UserHTML and 03UserText

Duplicate Session Warning
Correct Linking to the IRM

Under some conditions when a guest attempts to start the IRM from a link on your marketing website they may receive a "Session running" warning.  See KI0059  for a variety of suggestions on how to eliminate this problem.

IRM / Data Server / Firewall Information 

The following table explains the relationship of the RDP Data server, IRM server, workstations, and firewall.

Diagram of Data Server,  IRM Server, and Workstations
Warning:  Microsoft Small Business Server can not be used for the Internet Reservation Module (IRM), because Small Business Server installs Microsoft Exchange which does not work with the IRM. 
Item Explanation
Anti-Virus Software Anti-virus software should be installed on the RDP data server, IRM server, and all workstations.  It is critical to configure the auto-protected mode of all anti-virus software to scan local drives only.  If anti-virus software is set to scan network drives, all network based software such as RDP will run slowly.

See Do Not Scan Network Drives with Anti-virus Software.
Router  A router connects your firewall to the Internet.  For security reasons, it is critical to always connect the router to a firewall and not directly to a network card in any server or workstation.
Firewall A firewall provides security when an internal network is connected to the Internet. The firewall must be a physically separate device (a "stand alone" firewall).  RDP software does not work with firewall software installed on the RDP data server or the IRM Bridge Server.  The firewall must be capable of "address redirection."  For example, the external IP address of 65.38.150.5 will be redirected to the internal address of the IRM server (10.0.0.4 in this example).

See Linking Options From Your Marketing Website to the IRM and IRM.net.
Firewall Ports
to Open

DMZ setup for IRM

Ports for Netmeeting
A physical firewall is required to secure the IRM from viruses and other attacks. The external IP address must be redirected to the internal address of the IRM Bridge for Ports 80, 443, and 3389.  Additionally, the firewall must be open to allow outgoing e-mail from the SMTP server installed on the IRM bridge on Port 25.  Do not, under any conditions, assign the external IP address directly to the IRM, as this creates a security loophole and also prevents proper communication from the IRM to the data server.

Ports Reason
25 E-mails are sent out to guests from the IRM bridge server using Port 25.  See Installation of Outgoing SMTP E-mail Server
80 Internet traffic (HTTP) is required for all IRM systems.
443  Secure Internet (HTTPs) is required if IRM has Security Certificate.
3389  Terminal services are required for RDP support to access server.
DMZ Only

1583
3351
Some customers want to set up the IRM in a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).  RDP uses the Pervasive.SQL database, which uses two TCP ports when communicating from the client to the server, which are: 1583 and 3351. These ports will have to be open on the firewall, as all other ports required by Microsoft for the Windows 2003 IRM server to communicate with the Windows 2003 Data Server. Please contact Microsoft for details on what ports are required.
522, 389
1503, 1720
1731
Any workstation that connects to RDP with NetMeeting must open various ports.  For instructions on how to configure your firewall to allow workstations to connect to RDP using Net Meeting, see Microsoft article ID# 158623 How to Establish Net Meeting Connections Through a Firewall.
Switch or Hub All workstations are connected to a hub or switch which must be a minimum of 100 megabits.  The RDP data server and IRM bridge server must be connected to the same hub or switch.  Ideally, all workstations that access RDP should be connected to the same hub or switch as the data server.  Multiple hubs or switches may be installed for larger installations.  Regardless of how many hubs or switches are used, all workstations that access the RDP data server must be on the same subnet.
Same Subnet
and Domain
The RDP data server, IRM bridge server, and all workstations that access RDP must be on the same subnet and in the same domain.  For example, if the IP address assigned to the data server is 10.0.0.3, then the IRM bridge server and all workstations should have an internal IP address of 10.0.0.x, where x can range from 1-254.  The "Subnet mask" on all computers would be 255.255.255.0.
One and Only One
Network Card
The RDP data server, IRM bridge server, and all workstations that access RDP should have one, and only one, network card.  When more than one network card is installed, various communication problems result.
Workstations RDP supports Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista workstations.
Data Server

Domain
Controller

or

Peer-to-Peer
RDP is installed in a Windows 2003 "Active Directory" environment or "Peer-to-Peer".  For most installations, the RDP Windows 2003 or 2008 data server also serves as the domain controller.  However, if there is already a Windows 2003 or 2008 domain controller, the RDP data server can be a member server of the existing domain.

If there are other applications that require a Windows 2003 or 2008 server, RDP suggests placing them on another Windows 2003 or 2008 server, not the RDP data server or IRM bridge server.  This maximizes performance and reduces conflicts.

The RDP data server, IRM bridge server, and all workstations that access RDP must be members of the same domain.  In peer-to-peer environments, they must all be part of the same workgroup.

See Details on Installation of RDP 2003 Data Server Installation
IRM Server The Internet Reservation Module (IRM) is an optional product from RDP and requires a separate Windows 2003 or 2008 server.  This server is installed as a member server to the domain that contains the RDP data server.  In peer-to-peer environments the IRM server must be in the same workgroup as the Data Server.  All rates, availability, and reservations are stored on the data server.  Do NOT install active directory, or other applications, on the IRM Server.  Windows Small Business server or Windows XP Professional may not me used for the IRM Server - it must use Windows 2003 or 2008 server.

See IRM Server Installation.
IRM Security Security with the IRM has proven excellent and is divided into the following areas:

  1. A good firewall stops most intrusions.
  2. Microsoft security on the IRM server and data server is very strong.
  3. Anti-Virus software should be installed on the IRM server and must be set to NOT scan network drives.
  4. All credit card data is encrypted when sent to the guest using SSL technology.
  5. All sensitive data, such as credit card information, is stored on the data server and not the IRM.  If a hacker manages to get through the firewall and Microsoft security to the IRM server, they still have to get from the IRM server to the data server to retrieve data.
The IRM has been installed at over 300 sites over the last 10 years, and there has not yet been an instance of someone "hacking" into the Data Server from the IRM.  However, there is always a first time; and there is some security risk. The only way to prevent all theoretical security problems is to completely remove the IRM from the Internet.  Unfortunately this would also prevent all reservations!
Outgoing SMTP E-mail

Server Required
RDP sends e-mails to guests, owners, groups, travel agents, and others from the IRM and our RDPWin product.

See Installation of Outgoing SMTP E-mail Server and RDP E-mail Marketing for more detail.

Linking Your Website to RDP's Website

Follow these instructions to add a hyperlink from your website that allows visitors to find Resort Data Processing's website.  With this link, Internet users worldwide can discover additional information about the software used to manage your property.  In return, RDP will list your property's website on our Customers on the World Wide Web page, so visitors to our website can easily find out more about your property.

Add the RDP Link to Your Website

  1. Right-click on one of the following RDP logos and save it to YOUR website.  (Please do not hyperlink directly to one of the logos.)
    rdplogo-100x50side.gif (3009 bytes) rdplogo-100x50top.gif (3044 bytes)
  2. Attach a hyperlink to the image that points to http://www.resortdata.com.
  3. Please call RDP Sales, and we will add your property to our growing list of our customers.  You may receive additional reservations, as many potential guests search for "Resort" on the Internet and end up at www.resortdata.com.  They may then find your site from ours.

Configuring the Internet Reservation Module

The Internet Reservation Module (IRM) allows Internet guests to make reservations directly into the RDP system without involvement from the property’s reservation staff.  This section provides links to instructions for configuring the IRM after the Windows 2000/2003 bridge server has been installed.  

Remember to backup the C:\Inetpub directory every day on the IRM server to avoid losing important files and pictures.  See Backup for more details.

IRM Configuration Links

Home RDPWin RDP-DOS IRM/IRM.Net Open A  Web Support Ticket
Version 2.xxx Upgrade to RDPWin Link to Marketing Site Contact Us
Training Vendor Interfaces Troubleshooting RDP Sales Website