Internet Reservations (IRM) -  Customer Installation Steps

This document covers basic steps for the Internet Reservation Module (IRM) on a Windows 2000 or 2003 server. It is designed for use by a Microsoft Certified Installer and is not intended as the sole reference for installing and configuring Windows 2003 Server.  If you are looking for the installation procedure for RDP's primary data server, please click here.

The IRM Bridge Server must be installed exactly to the specifications in this document or you may have to re-install Windows 2003 Server software. Follow these steps:

1. Complete all steps in the IRM Installation Checklist.  

2. Install Windows 2003 per the instructions below on the IRM server.  NOTE:  Windows 2003 "standard edition" is preferred, however Windows 2000 server can also be used.

3. Verify that anti-virus software is installed on all workstations, the IRM data server, and the RDP Data server.  It is critical to configure anti-virus software on all computers to "not scan" network drives or performance of RDP may be very slow.  See "do not allow anti-virus software to scan network drives".

4. When complete, call RDP support at 970-845-7108 to schedule installation of the IRM software on the IRM Bridge Server.  See: RDP Support Documentation for Installation of IRM

Adding Links From Your Marketing Website to the IRM

Once the IRM is installed, configured, and tested, hyperlinks need to be added from your marketing website to the IRM.  These links enable guests, travel agents, groups, wholesalers, and owners to easily make reservations and access other IRM functions.  The links can have any text such as "make a reservation now" and should appear in multiple locations on the marketing website.  Use buttons, text, graphics, etc., to enhance the links.

See Adding Links from the Marketing Website to the IRM.

IRM Bridge Server Dedicated to IRM

RDP requires installing IRM on a Windows 2003 Server dedicated to the IRM. All other network applications (back-office accounting software, sales and marketing applications, etc.) should be installed on another server. This configuration guarantees maximum performance and reliability. It also eliminates the risk of application conflicts between RDP and/or the Pervasive.SQL database. 

Do not make the IRM server a "domain controller", or install Active Directory on the IRM Server.  

RDP Data Server versus IRM Bridge Server

RDP's property management software is installed on a Windows 2003 server that is referred to as the "Data Server".   For security reasons, the IRM is installed on a separate Windows 2003, which is referred to as the "IRM Bridge Server".  When a guest, travel agent, group or owner access rates and availability the IRM server accesses the data server.  All IRM reservations as well as normal internal reservations are stored immediately in the same database on the data server.  

The preferred operating system for both the data server and the IRM Bridge Server is Windows 2003 standard edition. However Windows 2000 may be used. 

Firewall Required and Other Requirements

Diagram of Data Server,  IRM Server, and Workstations

Windows 2003 Data Server Critical Installation Prompts

This document is not intended as a complete installation guide for Microsoft Windows 2003. However there are a number of prompts during the initial installation process of Windows 2003 that require the correct entry for the RDP system to function.  The information below summarizes these critical installation prompts:

Networking Settings  - Use Manual Settings,  Not DHCP

The firewall will route all internet traffic from the outside to the IRM Bridge server.  As a result the IRM server requires a static IP address, not a DHCP assigned IP address, as follows:

Install all Microsoft Service Packs and Critical Updates

Almost all software shipped on CD's is outdated when you install it.  There are usually many bug fixes and service packs available from the vendors website.  After installing Windows 2003, please install all Microsoft service packs and critical updates to reduce the threat of hackers compromising your site.  There is no charge from Microsoft for service packs or critical updates. 

Install IIS and SMTP - Do not Install Front Page Extensions    

The IRM requires the installation of  Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) and SMTP, both of which are included at no additional charge with Windows 2003 server.  Follow these installation steps:

Configuration of SMTP Server

Email confirmations are sent from the IRM to guests and your system administrator using the SMTP server installed on the IRM server.  Port 25 must be open on the firewall to allow the outgoing email through your firewall.  See "Installation and Configuration of Microsoft Internal Outgoing SMTP Mail Server"

E-Mail Related Topics

• Using E-Mail from RDPWin and Crystal Reports
• Using Crystal Reports Designer to E-mail Reports w/o RDPWin

Activate Terminal Services (Windows 2003 only)

RDP support requires access to the IRM Bridge Server for installation and ongoing support.  Microsoft provides, at no charge, a two-user license of their "Terminal Services" product for this purpose. Terminal Services must be installed as follows:

Note:  If there is a firewall at the property you must open port 3389 for msrdp.tcp for Terminal Services to connect to the data server.  

Call RDP for Installation of IRM 

The basic configuration of the IRM Bridge Server is complete. If you have purchased the recommended on-site IRM installation and training from RDP, please call RDP Sales to schedule. RDP personnel will complete the installation of the IRM.  

See: RDP Support Documentation for Installation of IRM

IRM Troubleshooting Links