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This article is interesting and in my opinion inspiring as well. According to the article "65% of Copenhagen's hotel rooms, representing nearly half the city's supply, have a globally recognized eco rating". IN the year of 2009, the United Nations climate change summit took place in this city, which started the rise of all the green hotels in Copenhagen. All of the hotels that participated in this summit had to be green certified which rose the percentage of green hotels by 30%. According to the Danish hotel, restaurant and tourism trade association there is also higher demand for green hotels by leisure and mainly business guests. Companies want to make sure that they take their employees to green certified hotels to show their support and awareness of sustainable behavior. The Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers hotel is truly represents a green hotel with first groundwater-based heating and cooling system and the largest solar panel coverage in northern Europe. The hotel also uses all kitchen waste and has it turned into organic fertilizer. Even smaller hotels in Denmark are turning towards being green and taking the matter seriously. "We practice this with energy-saving devices, sorting of (garbage), recycling of paper and organic foods. And we work with suppliers who share our beliefs," says owner of a small hotel Nicolas Hall. I enjoyed reading this article as it relates to the video we watched this week about who should take responsibility in waste management. I stated that the nation should take action in this matter but here we can clearly see that even companies can make a huge difference as they are the drivers of the economy and they can decide which product to choose.

It will be an interesting experience that you can place a drink or food order with your special requirements and to pay the bill if using a card by your own iphone, iPad, or Android smart phone? The product, dubbed 'the waiter in your pocket, made this become true. The app uses a cloud-based system, hosted by QikServe, to receive orders, connecting with the restaurant's own EPOS system, so the front and back of the house can view the order as soon as possible. It is time efficient and cost saving. Since it is cloud-based, there are no hardware or software requirements for the operators. Besides the staff costs can be reduced to a large degree because a lot of work can be done by the system. We can also expect improvements in service quality for most of the causal restaurants or chain restaurants. Staff spend more time taking care of  each table with less time spent on ordering and cash handling. The system can help to capture consumer behavior and send target offers to them. QikServe is linked to social networking sites, so we can view feedbacks posted by customers directly. It is a good choice for casual restaurants and chain restaurants to apply this system.

Starbucks starts roll out its service. Later on customers will be able to buy coffee with Square's Wallet app. It is a kind of mobile-payment apps for customers. This is a kind of point of sale system for merchant. It can bring a lot of convenience for coffee customers as well as merchant. It is not only time saving, but also cost saving. With this mobile point of sale apps, merchant can save more costs and gain more profits, customers can save more time and receive great convenience. Although some people are not used to making payment by this small apps, gradually most of people can accept it and cannot pay without it any more.

The article starts off by explaining that management systems are needed in order to compete in the hotel industry. It explains that having a system put in place will give you the competitive advantage needed to compete against other hotels. The writer explains how these systems make the operations of these companies so much easier and efficient. The best quality of this software is that it secures your data and makes it available anywhere that you can log in to view. The article explains of it allows your customers to do all their booking from anywhere and access information provided to them. Another point the article touched on is how having this system cuts costs as it relates to having IT available to assist with issues. Additionally the software is said to be very easy to operate and the staff would catch on quickly.

WinTech, LLC, a Las Vegas-based technology company, announced today it has launched "Who's ALICE?" -- an online contest for businesses nationwide to win a 'front desk makeover' featuring the new ALICE Receptionist system.

The ALICE Receptionist software uses features such as motion detection technology to greet visitors, notify employees of the vistor's arrival, and even uses audio communication with the visitor. The ALICE software allows for hotels with small lobbies that cannot afford a 24 hour recptionist to have an opportunity to interact with the guest-at a fraction of the cost. ALICE stands for "A Live Interactive Communication Experience" and it will be introduced to the industry in 2013.

Proximus Mobility a hyperlocal proximity marketing was recognized as one of the top 10 innovative technology companies in Georgia. This new technology is not only improving the marketing and advertisement of new products and services in the industry, but also is putting Georgia on the map. Proximus Mobility is a location based proximity marketing software that provides advertisements in a relevant high value digital content to consumers' mobile phones when they are near the point of sale.

This article is about how a French company called ASCOT aided local hotelier Christophe Mendjel in utilizing cloud computing services, thereby making his hotels run more efficiently. The first benefit the switch to cloud services provided was that Mendjel's hotels were able to function together as one instead of separate organizations. Secondly it enabled Mendjel to handle larger numbers of guests and more quickly process their information. Lastly the flexibility of using the cloud allowed him to effortlessly embrace unanticipated changes in hotel administration and guest documentation, without being overwhelmed by large amounts of data. Overall the article proves how the incorporation of cloud computing can benefit a hospitality enterprise.

Global Distribution System (GDS) & Alternative Distribution System (ADS) GDS & ADS Today's Global Distribution System (GDS) is comprised of 4 major GDS channels: Sabre Amadeus Worldspan Galileo The latter two, as of 2006, have been aggregated under the TravelPort banner. There are also a number of smaller, regionalized GDS connections including Abacus and Patheo. Included with GDS connectivity are hundreds of Alternative Distribution System channels that are effectively "hybrid distribution" mechanisms in that they provide web-based visibility to 3rd party merchants while "pulling inventory" from the GDS. These include household names such as Travelocity and Expedia and not-so-well-known sites such as e-Bookers and Opodo. A single "switch," Pegasus, provides overall system connectivity (Wizcom was acquired by Pegasus in July, 2004) and the industry is now seeing a proliferation of "direct-connects" to by-pass switch transaction and pass-through fees to mitigate acquisition costs. Connectivity to, and marketing within, the GDS is vital to the success of any hotel and resort given that 17-21% of worldwide bookings are made by travel agents through this channel. To have access to the GDS, your operation must belong to a Central Reservations Service (though you could try to create a proprietary CRS) and that is where the Hospitality Performance Group distribution program can bring value to your operation. We work closely with a number of CRS providers and can match you with one that is appropriate to the distribution needs of your property. Approximately 80,000 travel agents globally use the GDS. Hotel and resort "book-ability" has been an element of the GDS since the 80's (see the HPG history timeline) and given the vast selection provided to agents, GDS marketing can prove extremely productive--particularly in an extremely competitive market or when your operation's feeder markets are global. Working with our GDS marketi

This article talked about the GDS and ADS. It said there are four major GDS channels: Sabre, Amadeus, Worldspan, Galileo. Besides, there are also small channels like Abacus and Patheo. Then, the article introduced that Included with GDS connectivity are hundreds of Alternative Distribution System channels that are effectively "hybrid distribution" mechanisms in that they provide web-based visibility to 3rd party merchants while "pulling inventory" from the GDS. Then, according to the article, the GDS is vital to the success of any hotel and resort given that 17-21% of worldwide bookings are made by travel agents through this channel. It said that about 80,000 travel agents globally use the GDS So we can say the GDS's is very useful for travel agency business. It has very long history since Hotel and resort "book-ability" has been an element of the GDS since the 80's (see the HPG history timeline) and given the vast selection provided to agents. In the end, the article promoted a new system called HPG.

This article discusses some current trends in property management systems and how Maestro by NORTHWIND is ready to deliver. Maestro by NORTHWIND is a PMS used by many independent hotels and resorts and offers 20 integrated modules. One of the top trends for 2012 is mobile optimization for management and guests. More and more people are turning to mobile apps for personalized services, and express check-in and check-outs. Maestro Xpress Check-In App allows properties to use iPads and other tablets to do this anywhere there is WIFI. Maestro's App will also allow managers access to reports, and real-time activity from anywhere allowing managers more control over their business. Another growing trend is cloud PMS. Maestro has a cloud based system that claims it can increase productivity at the same time reducing costs. Managers can manage multiple hotels from a single location and reduce costs because they won't have to maintain an in-house PMS. There is also a steady increase in direct online booking from mobile apps and social media sites. Maestro Web Connection reduces the commissions paid to online travel agencies and 3rd parties by allowing guests to book reservations directly. Another way Maestro helps independent hotel chains is by offering them a guest loyalty system to help them offer some of the same incentive and reward programs offered by larger hotel chains.

Northwind Maestro leads the innovations of industry. Cloud system platforms are not just for the large chains. Small, independent operators also can use web-enabled platform with lower cost. Mobile is another trend of PMS innovations. Customers can check in and checkout on iPad by using Maestro Mobile Apps. In addition, direct-booking online from Mobile is the third top trend in 2012 PMS technology. Maestro's Guest Loyalty System with online capabilities is the first application to offer independents the same benefits as major chains to recognize, reward, and retain guests.

Seeing the rapid development of mobile devices and social media, hoteliers are connecting PMS with mobile devices and social media. NORTHWIND Maestro™ is a kind of software which satisfies hoteliers' current requirement. NORTHWIND Maestro™ is an Internet-based PMS. It brings plenty of benefits to hotels. To illustrate, Maestro can reduce cost, create operating efficiencies, secure cardholder information, and to have instant remote access to their property or hotel group's data. Furthermore, since more and more people are using mobile devices to book rooms, make dining reservations or some other services, Maestro also develops mobile apps. "The Maestro Mobile App enables operators to wirelessly connect to their Maestro centralized system and provides access to management reports, real-time activity and other features found in Maestro." Maestro also thinks of customer loyalty by tracking customers and establish database.

This cloud-based system seems like a good, inexpensive alternative to a traditional POS.

last semester, one of my stretegic projects is just based on this cloud system. It save the money on purchase, trainning, maintainence, and update fees, what is more, it is safer than the personel system and convenient to transfer, share, and update the information. But I am concerned about it related devices----I phone/I pad. What I know is that I phone never wholesale its products or for rent. So the cost for the device purchase, maintence and update is still a big part.

I wonder what the target market of the 300 plus restaurants that are currently using this domestically is? It raises concerns of user acceptance for those who are not familiar with Apple products, as we all know these people exist. User acceptance would be high if it is marketed to the appropriate demographic.

This article explains that more and more companies are adding online ordering directly to their Facebook fan pages. Their software is directly linked to the internet, thereby allowing customers to order through facebook. If a potential new client was browsing the internet at work, unsure of what to order for lunch that day, this is very convenient. Once ordered, the activity is posted to that person's wall, for all their friends to see. It's a great marketing strategy and a way for word about that particular restaurant to get out.

So Best Buy is becoming more environmentally friendly by turning it's home energy section into an interactive layout, designed to get people talking about saving the earth. "Home Energy control panels are connected to refrigerators, lamps, lights, heating and cooling systems, showing shoppers how the digital energy home could be connected. An interactive booth where customers can turn lights on and off and an employee can talk to potential customers enabled shoppers to learn about the benefits and price points of LEDs vs CFLs. For many Best Buy shoppers, it could be the first time they've even thought about using these types of efficiency tools to cut home energy usage." What we have, in this store that focuses mainly on video games, DVDs, and flatscreens, is an initiative centered on all of us who need to be educated on the reality that the earth is losing it's natural resources because of our selfish overspending and lack of care. Hopefully they will be able to expand to all of their stores and not just the few they are doing this test run in.

Would you pick your seat based on an app for your next plane ride? Well on KLM you can and Virgin is working on one too. Personally I use that time to relax but if I could use it to avoid an avid stamp collecting chatter box it would be worth it. There may be a small fee and possible sell of personal information to marketers but on a long haul flight sitting next to a like-minded individual might make all the difference in a good vs awkward ride. Very neat! Unfortunately, the fun and celebrations of the Christmas season are often dampened by the stressful experience of holiday air travel. ...

I feel that an app that uses information from social media may be too personal for most. However I do see an opportunity from this idea. Airlines may consider adding an option for their passengers to select if they are travelling for business or pleasure. They could assign seat depending on the purpose of the passengers trip.

To tell the truth, I will try it if it is free to choose people around you. But on the other hand, I think it is hard to implement this system.....

The article discusses how hotel lenders and investors have found success with the direction of the investment market. According to the 2012 edition of the Hospitality Investment Survey, lower interest rates along with revenues that are outpacing expense growth are combining to provide investors with a greater level of comfort in regards to the U.S. lodging investment market. According to Scott Smith, vice president of PKF Consulting USA, the double digit growth of profits along with low capital and limited supply growth has made hotel real estate much more attractive to commercial real estate investors. Smith notes that institutional investors as well as private equity funds are more inclined to invest in full service hotels existing in the major markets, which has shown the most profit growth.  According to the text, investments in the hospitality industry will continue to remain attractive to investors due to the expected continued improvement in industry performance along with the availability of cheap capital. 

This article outlines one software suite that can be used in a vast array of functions for the hotel industry. As shown in this article the ASI program includes everything from accounting to reservations and even a point of sale system. Other features include data mining software and call logging.The latter are used to build consumer profiles for the hotel to use in later visits. Overall this is a good alternative for smaller boutique hotels that still includes all the necessary programs of a full PMS. The accounting software is definitely up to par and can perform all necessary functions such as night audits and running supply counts.

Mobi Munch is an LA-based company that designs and builds food trucks. They have recently begun adapting and implementing digital age systems for their clients.  Among the innovations are POS systems built to survive the stresses of heavy transit, GPS systems for reporting of truck locations, and sophisticated video displays for customers. The Micros Simphony POS is now part of its food truck technology suite. Perhaps the most important upgrade is credit card authorization via the 4G/3G network because for many the norm was handwritten tickets.

It is clear that many hotel bombings occur in unstable countries; the Mariott in Islamabad, Pakistan in 2008, The Taj Mahal, India in 2009, The Mogudishu in Somalia, 2014. Traveling to these countries is definitely risky. It is unfortunate for the travelers to have such an experience.

This article describes a new strategic MICROS integrate with PayPal to enable better payments experiences for consumers. It can establish a system to provide expertise support and also quickly integrate with other platforms and support a mass scale deployment around the world.