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This article outlines the discussion about whether the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should change their policies that were enacted in the Telecom Act of 1966.  At the COMPTEL PLUS Fall 2012 Convention and EXPO, Larissa Herda, the Chairman, CEO, and President of tw telecom urged the FCC to adapt to the new competitive technologies.  She emphasizes the importance of change going forward and discusses the Intelligent Network as an example.  She calls for the adoption of new IT Strategies for cloud services and solutions.  Above all, this article discusses the convention as a platform for the discussion of change in the tech world.

In this article it begins to explain property management systems PMS going mobile in the hotel industry and how beneficial it is for hotel corporations and for customers. The author explained that the most in-demand PMS function for hotels is the ability to have a real time data of room availability, access to guest information such as comments and special request, room/ work order status, and up-to-date pricing. For customers facing mobile apps they would enjoy the guest self-service of booking, self check-in/out, service request, and messaging to staff. However even though mobile devices makes such functionality seem easier mobile-enabling a PMS is not easy at all in fact, making functions available via a browser would be a huge transition for a business.

More and more are properties interested in having a PMS device that they can be accessed at anytime and anywhere. The answer to this challenge is to have PMS functions accessible via mobile devices which can be challenging for some of the systems, especially those that do not reside in cloud. For some smaller properties, the goal is to have no front desk at all and some have been quite successful in making this a reality. As stated in the Property Management Goes Mobile article, the ski resort Tremblant Elysium has been successful with using the cloud-based FrontDesk Anywhere. The guests receive a letter a week prior to check in containing a door code and 30 minutes after their arrival concierge comes to their room to complete their check in and sign the registration card. The CEO of Tremblant Elysium stated: "Guests love it because it is simple and easy and we do not have staff waiting around for people to check in." As stated in the article, guest require for Mobile PMS to include access to room availability and full front desk access including guest profiles and preferences, room/work order status, up-to-date pricing and housekeeping access for rooms statutes. Mobile-enabling PMS can be quite challenging to design, as it can bring difficulties with screen size, performance or choosing which device to use as the code must be re-written for each one. Another major concern for this type of PMS is the synchronization with other system with which PMS is integrated. As hotelier consider implementing mobile-enabling PMS device for their property, there are concerns about security as far as data storage or mobile check-in or the issuing of keys for guests. In my opinion mobile-enabling PMS is the future for smaller properties. Why would a hotel need to have a stand-alone front desk when we can use mobile phones to do the work for us as we are on the go? Eventually, we can have our staff cross trained in smaller properties all equipped with phones, all available to ch

This article discusses the wish-list for hoteliers when they are considering cloud-based systems.Tthe most in-demand mobile PMS functions include GM access to KPIs, CRM and room availability, and front desk staff access to guest information such as comments and special requests, room/work order status and consolidated messaging among staff. It would seem that with all of these personal apps that are appearing on the market, that mobilizing a PMS would be easy, but that is not the case. The code is not universal; i.e. code must be re-written for each one, although there are tools like service-oriented architecture and html5 to help. There will naturally be concerns when considering adopting a mobile PMS across properties. Before investing in a roll-out of new technology, decision-makers must ask the right questions dealing with security, data storage, and functionality.

This article describes the forward motion of technology to be used in conference center.  The new technology will allow immense technology improvements in the conference centers like using your smartphone to share photos on TVs screens.  This technology is the first step in working towards integration in conventions.

To gain a competitive advantage in Vegas, Station Casinos set up a new platform calls GourpMAX for profession and occasional meeting planners. The added ease of use helps planners maximize bookings by accelerating their booking pace, increasing reservations within contracted group blocks and mitigating attrition risk. 28GroupMAX even helps planners with the very granular details of event planning by giving them an easy way to capture individual guest information, such as meal preferences, arrival and departure times, RSVP details and more.

This article tells us How to Select Human Resources Information Technology. The need for HR information technology systems is increasing. With HR staff finding a vast array of options in HR information technology systems, it is increasingly important to analyze and weigh all options available. Choosing an HR information technology system should be looked at as an investment that will grow with the department and company's needs.  Here are 18 questions that a HR manager should ask when selecting a HRIS.

Human Resources information technology (HRIS) is essential for companies to manage their benefits plans and their employee information. Benefits management technology is no longer a nice to have, but a necessity to help HR manage both a sea of information and the money spent on benefits plans, as HR faces limited resources and constantly changing data. But how do HR and other executives know they are selecting the best HR information technology to manage all of the details, and that the solution they select will stand the test of time?

This article discussed the need for the IT department to be involved whenever an employee is terminated. This practice should be in place because there can be security threats if former employees still have access to company records and data. The article gave three principles that companies should strictly adhere to when terminating employees: Prompt notification of termination, prudent revocation of access (both on-site and remote) and preemptive preservation of data. This article makes some very interesting points, because we don't often think of termination from an IT standpoint. But it is crucial that former employees no longer have access to company data, and that the company preserves certain data that will be useful if the employee seeks a lawsuit. I have a somewhat relevant example in that a former apartment complex I lived in never requested the barcode scanner for my vehicle when I moved. Just for fun one day, I tried to drive through the gate to see if my scanner still worked. It did! Good for me, but not so good for the complex, as hundreds of former tenants could still access the property with ease. This example reinforces the fact that IT must be involved even in employee terminations.

Terminating an employee is not thought to include the IT department. However, this article points out the relevance the IT department has in the process. The HRIS is efficient for the HR department to collect data on all employees. And the IT department is responsible for taking the employee off the HRIS and stop data collection. They are also responsible for ceasing access from the terminated employee to any company related information. The author suggests that the company dismiss any online access to the employee to prevent theft, hacking or any other harm to the company. The IT department must also make sure the employees private information stored in the system must be preserved. If not taken care of considerately, there is a possibility for a legal issue to arise. This is why the IT department, amongst the HR department and executive staff, should be included in the termination of employees.

This article is introducted about wedding planning technology in today's hospitality industry. In 2011, the global wedding industry was valued at $320 billion, a large slice of which was money spent on hotels as a wedding venue. And many large hotel brands have wedding planners on hand to help couples organize their big day. Generally, it's natural for consumers to look for digital information. And hotels provide touchscreen technology. It would be served content of your own design from a PC or laptop in the hotel. What is more, it invites couples to explore the hotel as a wedding venue, and offers content that engages minds with the possibilities, such as wedding checklists, a space calculator and availability calendar. And installing a touchscreen system is not complicated. Content is controlled and published to the screen using digital signage software, which can be downloaded from reputable providers for free. In a word, this new wedding planning technology is good for both hotels and consumers.

Summary This article is talking about a new software "Monscierge I connect", which launched by the company Monscierge, Dec 6, 2012. Monscierge | Connect is a new tool harness smartphone technology to keep guest constantly connected with hotel service. This is first phase of mobile applications complementing the product line designed to enhance hotels' connections to their guests, which allowing guests access to the full array of a hotel or brand's services in a way that suits the needs of today's tech-savvy consumer. Guests can communicate their needs via chat or voice, quickly putting them in contact with valet, housekeeping, or any department the hotel provides. Monscierge | Connect wraps itself in the approved brand voice for each hotel, and makes that hotel and brand's specific content available at their fingertips.  Monscierge | Connect also allows for a hotel to deliver real-time information to their guests as well. For instance, some hotels have utilized Connect to alert guests of parking availability, discounts in the bar or spa, or when a room is ready for early check-in.        I think it's a great mobile app, it could keep guest constantly connected with hotel service, and it not only provide more convenience for customers and hotels, but also improved service's quality and work efficiency. Forrester Research predicts by 2015 eighty-two million people will rely on mobile devices as a primary reference tool. So I think this new software and other mobile applications will widely used in hospitality industry. 

This software called Ultimate Team Play is used in Hilton Garden Inn to do the employee training. The Ultimate Team Play presents a virtual scene of front desk for employee. The virtual guests will show different reaction toward to different service from the employees. The SALT( Satisfaction and Loyalty Tracking) score is a very important factor that reflect the service quality of the hotels. The employee may select different level of guest interaction and study the specific requirement of each level of guests so that learn about how to serve different guest to develop guests' SALT.

It's important for restaurants to start using these technologies, and it is expected to use technology more often in the coming year to order food. Solutions: Mobile ordering iPad order kiosks. Facebook ordering Tabletop e-waiter & checkout. Digital menu boards + smartphones. Games while-u-wait. Online coupons.

The technological makeover Disney is planning will require brand new software yet to be used in the parks. RFID scanners will be placed at set locations allowing guests easier access to the 'Magic'. No more turnstiles or waiting in lines. With just a flick of the wrist those mickey ears are yours and you are on your way. Personal RFID tags will be placed into guest MagicBands allowing Disney to track guests behavior within the parks. This is all thanks to the new vacation management system called MyMagic+.

This article focuses on sustainability and methods in which technology is utilized to conserve energy and waste, while also not hindering the guest experience. Hotels, similar to the Salvatore Grand Hotel, have began implementing systems such as the Verve Living System, by Zeno Controls, LLC, that provide wireless connections to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, as well as the lighting in the guest room. It utilizes sensors to activate such amenities, and enables the guest to enter the room, place their key card into a slot, and it will begin to adjust to the preferred temperature and the preferred lighting levels. Once the key card is removed, such as when the guest is leaving the room, after a very short delay, it sends a signal that verifies the room is unoccupied, and turns off these energy-consuming items in the room. Many guests, when staying in hotels, do not consider turning off their lights or air conditioning when they leave the room, and simply leave everything running. They do not realize the impact this has not only on costs for the hotel itself, but also the impact that it has on energy consumption and sustainability. With the growing awareness of being "green", guests are focusing more and more on conservation, however, they may still be slacking in these areas, leaving things on, being absent minded. This system will allow guests to not have to worry about such tasks, and controls the system of turning these items off for them, adding convenience for the guest who is environmentally conscious. I have personally seen a similar system being used in a hotel room, and thought it was a great idea, and an amazing way to control costs and eliminate waste of resources. It is also very surprising to read that the Verve Living System detects low battery levels, constant occupancy, problems with room connectivity, and rooms that are not communicating with the hotel PMS or other systems. This enables the maintenance team of a hotel to fun

For organizations seeking a solution that easily conforms to their existing operations, Multiview Enterprise .NET n10 offers a flexible, integrated suite of financial solutions. With Multiview Enterprise .NET n10, companies gain superior visibility over corporate data, creating a more effective and efficient organization while still controlling costs; Multiview is one of the most robust yet affordable solutions in the market.

For a company, the data of finance is very important. The software is in addition to sophisticated financials, Multiview also offers a robust reporting and analytics environment with the ViewPoint tool. With ViewPoint, companies have access to all corporate data coupled with the ability to drill down to the underlying detail in every subsystem.

inamo™ is like no other restaurant anywhere in the world. Located in central London inamo and inamo st james are pioneering Oriental fusion restaurants where the control of the dining experience is placed firmly in the customer's hands. At the core of inamo™ is its interactive ordering system, E-Table™. With an E-Table™ system, diners place orders from an illustrated food and drinks menu projected on to their table surface. Customers also set their table ambience, discover the local neighbourhood, and even order a taxi home. The Content Management System makes Restaurant management easy. All E-Table™ ambience and retail activity is conveniently connected to a central management system. It has been specially developed for E-Table™ and designed so anyone can intuitively control the management process. Features include: Easily update and edit Names, Images, and Descriptions of products. Create and modify food and drink menus. Instantly create paper menus and website copy direct from the Management System. Update images and patterns with direct upload from your computer to change the look and feel of the tables. Create new permanent and seasonal sets of images and patterns. Set up a private dining room. Create custom configurations and apply any combination of themes, menus, images and patterns, to groups of tables on the system. Change your menus according to the day of the week, season, time of the day, special events. Create and modify "where next" maps. Guests can see what they and their group have ordered at any time, call a waitress over to attend to them and request the bill when they are ready to go. A host of extra functions are available - guests can view a live video of the kitchen, order a taxi home, or see what's on at the local cinema.

I myself have a Square and swear by it. I use it to sell homemade goods and trinkets and fairs, as well as sell baked goods at fundraising events. The Square app and unit are free (after registry refund) and are simple to use. Just connect it to a bank account and you are off. You can take and keep track of both cash and credit card payments. Plus inventory tracking is easy. The Square turns any iPad, iPhone, iPod or android device into a traveling POS system. Plus there is no paper involved so it's a great first step to running a Green business. Square is the POS solution for small businesses. 

Medical Tourism is a growing sector of the Hospitality Industry. Though Saudi Arabia is not a major part of this industry yet, a move to improve it's health services is a step in the right direction. 

Interesting article! The author appeals hotel managers to stop, look and listen before investe hotel teches. He point that in-room technology makes provide a good experience for the guests however the hotel owner have to pay much and the ROI decreased. In addition the writer notice that the manager should understand the real demands of travelers instead of installing high-end devices in the guest room.

No matter in what kind of biz, before we make a decision to adopt new technology, it's better to do a SWOT analysis at first. In the hospitality industry, everything related to the relationship with people. What kind of service will accept by customers and what's the best method to provide are the basic questions need to be answered before take a new investment approach. In this artical, it piont out to be wait and see before tacking a new investment. There are some benifits to do this. 1, save money. 2, get the experience from others. 3, lower risk. No matter what kind of method you take, the basic rule is making decision from customer perspective.

This program insures the safety and well keeping of the patients. I know it's not the latest in-room safe technology. But having just been in a hospital and having a dreadful experience I can honestly say that this technology would have helped.  During my hospital stay I was lost, mistaken for a man, not given an IV, and almost given the wrong prescription. Now I know it was 3 am, but if this program would have been installed I don't think I would have the same story to tell. The fact that the software tracks both the patients and the staff is what I find amazing. That was the biggest problem with my visit. No-one knew who was supposed to take care of me. This would have changed all of that.

The many aspects of security at hotels boil down to policy and technology. The policy element includes emergency planning and the individual procedures implemented by a hotel. Technology now plays an integral role in the security mix, from badging and staffing communications to electronic keys and surveillance cameras. Hotels are attractive places for criminals to target travelers, who are inherently more vulnerable. Best bet: Always assess a hotel neighborhood and facilities with the same vigilance as at home or in other public spaces. Help your meeting attendees understand the policies and potential risks before they arrive. Security Questions for Hotels: Will trade-show exhibitors require secure storage for any display items? Are there areas near a hotel that attendees should be warned to avoid? Are hotel employees CPR certified? Is defibrillator equipment available onsite? Are there any policies and procedures organizers should be aware of in the event of an emergency?