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Many of the concerns that a hotelier might have regarding the upgrade of the physical hardware at the base of their information technology system, their cable network, to fiber optic wiring have been addressed in recent years. Fiber has been around since the 70s, and the cable is stronger and more flexible than copper alternatives. In order to determine whether or not a fiber upgrade is right for a specific property, one should first consider the technological needs of the hotel and be sure that the increased bandwidth and speed are really needed. The hotelier should also consider when the switch will be most cost effective and time efficient. This usually coincides with a hotel remodel. Finally, while the cost /foot of fiber installation has become comparable with that of copper over the years, one should educate himself regarding the terminology and mechanics of a fiber network before shopping installation quotes. A solid understanding of interoperability and terminal needs will keep the costs at a minimum while limiting the need to reinstall cable in the future.

I found this article very interesting as it covers some of the next technological changes the hotel industry would see. Hotel companies and property owners are spending lots of money to ensure they are able to satisfy modern day traveler's needs. As technology advances and more and more studies show travelers prefer to use their own mobile devices, companies have to constantly improve their mobile platform. Sooner or later hotels will have mobile keys that work via a phone on the customers phone or tabloid. Features like mobile keys, check-in, and communications via a mobile app will all require significant amount of investments by major hotel chains. All of these new types of feature also require more advanced security to protect hotel stayers while using the hotels' mobile apps. Over the long run the investment will pay off for large hotel companies as they will gain tons of data and data is very powerful and useful. I am interested to see how this affects small-scale motels as the investment in mobile platforms may not be feasible for an independent motel.

This article discusses six of the new upcoming trends in the hospitality industry in regards to technology. The first is mobile ubiquity - meaning the amount of usability of guests using mobile devices to check in, make a reservation, or purchase. The second is integrating mobile data and the integration of such valuable data. Third would be the Enabling of guest room technology, such as on-demand content and room features. Fourth would be Future-proofing networks and ensuring safety from hackers or malwares. Fifth would be beefing up security. Sixth would be energy conservation to save money on wastes and energy consumption.

Future proofing or building a more robust network infrastructure is the backbone and the most important part of any network model. It seems that newer buildings will have an advantage as they will have fiber optic installed as they are constructed which would be cheaper than replacing an entire existing copper network. This trend, will enable companies that have newer hotels to offer more services and meet the technological demand that their customers now expect.

This article is about a new state of the art recycling facility that opened in the Charleston area recently. Prior to this opening, residents in this county had to pay for recycling at their house or they had to bring their recycling to a facility that only recycled paper and cardboard. Everything else was sent to the landfill. This new facility requires minimal manual sorters and residents no longer have to separate. Computer technology and robotic sorters handles everything. It also makes use of no-recyclable plastics and turns them into reusable fuel. The company has one additional facility in Alabama.

This article gives an overview of security considerations of a cruise liner. Initially it cites a comparison between cruise security concerns and that of a hotel, which are basically the same, such as secure doors to cabins (rooms), having an exact record of all passengers and onboard staff, as well as having surveillance such as cameras taking constant video recordings. Whereas hotels are mostly open to outside traffic, cruise ships are limited only to those who have purchased passage, are working there, or are conducting business onboard. This has led to boarding procedures which are as stringent and detailed as those conducted when passengers board a commercial airline. Safety concerns for cruise ships have been a forefront concern since the 1985 hijacking of the MS Achille Lauro (See next comment) which led to minimal security standards issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The tragic events of 9/11 compelled US issuance of an International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) to strengthen security protocols. This includes requirements that any "ship over 500 tons…not (be) allowed into the United States unless their last ports of call conformed to ISPS code." The ISPS code, however, involves minimal adjustment for cruise lines currently in compliance with IMO rules. Newer ships are being constructed to include the infrastructure for video fibre optics and metal detection equipment. State of the art equipment will have crew member's photo and data available to be checked with each swipe of their ID card. Biometric fingerprint detection equipment is another safety layer that is available, but is not currently in use, although it will certainly be put into place promptly if a major incident occurs. The odds of such a major incident are high when considering the volume of cruise passengers in the last decade. Since other commercial ships have witnessed attacks, cruise lines are strongly advised to progressively

Additional information regarding the 1985 MS Achillies Lauro hijacking: http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2010/10/remembering-the-achille-lauro-hijacking-picture-of-the-day/

You may perceive the name Eric Lundgren. In 2017, he was everywhere throughout the news for making a $13,000 DIY electric vehicle with a 380 or more mile extend, effectively besting a Tesla. His LA-based organization worked in overseeing e-waste from regular electronic gadgets like cell phones and PCs. He's committed a huge number of hours to recuperating batteries, engines, and circuits from disposed of things reuse in wheelchairs, vehicles, or even different PCs. At 19, he began an organization to refurbish and offer PCs given to him by corporate customers like Dell, Asus, and Lenovo. At the point when a PC is sold or scrapped the Windows license accompanying it is legitimately transferrable to the new proprietor, making reestablishing non-working PCs and exchanging them a generally simple process. With a real Windows license, everything necessary is introducing the working framework from a reestablish circle and connecting the license key to demonstrate it's a legitimate install. The license key was frequently shown on a sparkly sticker along the edge or base of a PC. The certificate of realness, and the license key, is all you'd have to authentically introduce a working rendition of Windows on a non-running device. Those that didn't have the sticker, Lundgren told the Los Angeles Times, he rejected, pitching the parts to be utilized in different machines. Yet, it's here that Lundgren kept running into inconvenience. In the wake of aggregating exactly 28,000 restore discs, similar discs that used to come included with a bought PC, in any event before makers began getting rid of optical drives, Lundgren endeavored to dispatch them to his accomplice, for use in reestablishing non-working gadgets. After Microsoft and Dell caught wind of the plan, Lundgren was issued an indictment and fines

Newer trends in computer technology bring increased vulnerabilities in security and privacy. Wearables will extend from wristwatches to eyeglasses, headphones, kitchen gadgets, energy-efficient furnishings, to home equipment Bluetooth systems. As vendor competition increases, prices will decrease and artificial intelligence development will accelerate.

The article provides a brief history of POS technology in the hospitality industry and studies the pros and cons of its applications in the restaurant industry. The study, published in 2004, focuses primarily on handheld POS devices that allow consumers to place orders and order checks independent of serving staff. The article finds that handheld POS systems have potential in this market to bring additional profits and increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

RFID, event applications, wearable technology, virtual reality, and social media are upcoming popular uses for event planners. With RFID event planners are able to keep better track of the guests attending the event as well as keeping them more involved. I first heard of this a few months ago when attending an event and it described that a chip with RFID was placed inside the wristband-type ticket. For me, the most interesting thing is the wearable technology! Imagine an event where you can have directions given to you or a layout of the event right on your wrist! Also, the watch can notify you of events happening within an event or you can see order your food or see the menu. To know that soon enough it will be a norm for everyone to have some type of wearable technology and that event planners can truly get the guests involved through this use is exciting.

This article introduces four new advances to technology that help ease the process of event planning. Projection mapping, 5G, Branded multi-use apps, and event diagramming.

This article shares the technology innovation with meeting/convention operations and how these technology help offer better guest satisfaction.

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.

The article heavily emphasizes how reliant mega events are on successfully recording and analyzing data across several different sectors. The paper aims to examine the overall network infrastructure required in order to broadcast large scale sporting events such as the super bowl, world cups and the Olympics. Many different factors come into play during these events and the use of accurately recorded data and efficient technology is key. Monitoring attendee flow, as it pertains not only to attendance numbers but foremost security shall remain a priority for any event - large or small.

SpaceX created Starlink to offer high-speed cheap internet to anywhere in the world. One satellite talks to four others using lasers as they orbit Earth to create ku-band and ka-band broadband connectivity. There will of course be a massive network of ground-based stations. Users in the beta for Starlink have reported they're achieving download speeds of 100mbps and upload speeds of 20mpbs with latency at or below 31 milliseconds. The goal for Starlink is to be 10gbps.

There are five main ways that internet service can be physically delivered to a business's premises: Satellite, Copper wire, Fixed wireless, Coaxial cable, Fiber optic cable.

The article talks about three trends that are happening now within the hospitality industry relating the accounting topic.

The paradigm shift of technology is shaping the hotel business and powering up the operational and financial performance. we witness increased automation and intelligence in Hotel Accounting Services out there. The robust Hotel Accounting Software even leverage the Business Intelligence, in delivering the insights on key performance indicators . Accounting Software can not only help hotel saving cost but also can help hotel increase productivity

This article outlines the current technology trends in event management. It also entails what strategies event planners are using to market mega-events, to attract attendees and to get real-time feedback about the event.

Biometrics usage in the hotel sector have been ramping up. Biometrics links a user's I.D. and credit card information with biometrics like a photo or fingerprint and this tech can be used throughout the hotel for things like in-room purchases and access to the gym and pool. Using biometrics allows the hotel staff to focus on being hosts.