Group items tagged

You’re probably already practicing basic online and mobile safety, but consider taking these credit card-specific measures as well: Know your merchant. When shopping online, look for sites with “https” in their web addresses (the “s” stands for “secured”) and the green lock icon; make sure the URL includes the correct company’s name, rather than a close-but-not-correct version; and, even on a secured site, share your information only if you know how it will be used. Type for each transaction. Never allow your credit card number to be stored on an online shopping site. Add a layer. Consider using an online payment system or mobile payment service like PayPal, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Android Pay to keep your credit card number out of the hands of merchants, so that if a merchant is hacked, it can’t leak your account number. Watch out for public Wi-Fi. Don’t shop or conduct financial transactions, including checking your accounts, using public Wi-Fi. Because it’s a public network, your information can easily be viewed by anyone.

improved software allows hotel owners to match up specific transactions with the surveillance footage,

IT and security departments should work in conjunction

Offering employees profit-sharing, a stake in the hotel's future is an effective way to improve security.

Hotels, conference centers and other meeting venues are increasing group business with new technology, and it isn’t just a hotel app. To invest in the property’s overall capital, hoteliers are creating cool technology tools that market venues, increase group business and enhance the guest experience. Technology is just another way hotels are winning group business and marketing a hotel or conference center. What are some of these new hot tools for leisure and business travelers?

Investment in Hotel Technology Pays Off with Increased Group Revenue Tuesday, July 10, 2012 by Sarah Vining Hotels, conference centers and other meeting venues are increasing group business with new technology, and it isn’t just a hotel app. To invest in the property’s overall capital, hoteliers are creating cool technology tools that market venues, increase group business and enhance the guest experience. Technology is just another way hotels are winning group business and marketing a hotel or conference center. What are some of these new hot tools for leisure and business travelers? Virtual concierge service on guest room TVs At Hyatt Hotels with in-room HD TVs by Roomlinx Inc., guests are able make service requests, check email/weather, use the Business Center, print documents, and receive customized messages from meeting planners. Service requests like housekeeping and in-room dining are instantly sent through the system, improving the venue’s departmental efficiency. All of these virtual functions are hoped to appeal to new markets and drive group business. More efficient billing In the article, “Insert IACC blog post title URL” we learn that in 2012, meeting and group planners are prioritizing finance as very important during in their planning process (which made the top 10 list for the first time). Hotels making large investments in revenue management systems are taking advantage of new features that automate and process data to improve efficiency and increase revenue for properties. Virtual business centers Socialization through technology and food and beverage outlets is increasing revenue for TRYP by Wyndham in the NYC Times Square South property. Google TVs and access to Google Chrome laptops near the Gastro Bar in the hotel’s lobby offers guests an opportunity to enjoy a dining experience with the comfort of complimentary technology use. On-staff IT team When planners were surveyed, reliability was listed as a top concern of IT services in the white paper “What Do Planners and Trainers Really Want in Their Meeting Service?” All IACC-certified conference centers are required to have an on-site IT team to ensure technology functions properly. Now, the need for a knowledgeable IT team that really understands technology and can cater to individuals and group business is spreading to other hotel markets.   These impressive technology tools improve the guest experience and lead to a quick return on investment, especially in F&B. As we move beyond the discussion of required hotel Wi-Fi services, there will be a focus on technology amenities that provide the same comforts of home or the office. To increase group business, hoteliers are comfortable with this investment knowing there’s a return on investment with generated buzz/venue marketing and satisfied guests. Want to learn about other ways hotels are using technology to build relationships? Check out Enhancing Your Social Networking Site with a Social Concierge! to maximize social media and connect with guests, attendees and planners!

Wi-Fi in the walls at the Mandarin Oriental New York

there’s wireless Internet in the walls

The hotel group has contracted Ruckus Wireless to install its Wi-Fi wall switches for all 248 guest rooms in its flagship New York City hotel, citing “explosive demand” for wireless capacity.

Network inside your organization is as important as outside. Things not end there; when some guests reach your hotel you will need a network to keep track of reservation, inventory, services, and maintenance. Free Wi-Fi accessibility, guests’ connection with front desk and monitoring for safety; these things have now become the signature of modern hospitality. LAN connection for easy and safe data transfer and all other things are needed in networking for smooth running of your hotel.

nization is as important as outside. Things not end there; when some guests reach your hotel you will need a network to keep track of reservation, inventory, services, and maintenance. Free Wi-Fi accessibility, guests’ connection with front desk and monitoring for safety; these things have now become the signature of modern hospitality. LAN connection for easy and safe data transfer and all other things are needed in networking for smooth running of your hotel. In hotels, computer networking play a vital role, communication between workers and staff creates a stable environment. Communication between front desk and manger office is important as in case of any unusual event. And the link of rooms with the service providers’ staff creates a healthy effect on guest’s mind when services are provided to them in no measure of time. Fire alarm or emergency alarm in case of any accident ensures the guest’s safety and also increase the rating of your hotel. The interlinked electronic systems in rooms which control all the electronic devices in room are too much helpful. The Wi-Fi accessibility now becomes an essential thing in hotels. So networking makes it possible to provide that service efficiently. Some five star hotels provide alarm bells on the table in the dining restaurants. These bell ring in the kitchen and makes it possible for the staff to attend each incoming guests at that time and avoid complaints. Here we present a complete solution to all your network problems; Network Solutions Why Network Solutions? Network Solutions is an organization with an extensive geographic stretch providing IT guides. They have worked with almost every kind of business organization and have an extensive vision of their work. They have genius IT specialists who not only show their professional aptitude during their work but also show personal interest in your business that content you mentally. They have an experience of almost all fields as they have worked with almost every genre of business you can think off from health care to education or flaunting fashion to secret secure banking systems. They know perfectly how to prove themselves as the best option available. They work with you, understand you, give respect to your needs and know how to use resources efficiently and bring up with something that does wonders your business. Some of their core networking values are: Envisage They do a lot of research work and observation, and try to sum up things. First they give a close view to your business in order to know your need of networking. They predict the average traffic you are going to have on your network. So that they can provide you with the best and never disturbing network facilities. In Hospitality industry the network traffic depends on your choice, how much you want to give ease to your business or your guests, connecting every room with the front desk or you just want to establish a connection between you workers and manager. Identification  They observe your style and know your needs. And now is the time to identify your problems and your pains. In hotels the problems you face in network in unresponsive and slow communication which creates irritation both among your guests and workers. So to save you from pain Network Solutions is there. Monitoring They monitors the WAN accessibility and the performance of the established network. Measure Fair usage policy and to monitor the traffic of net is another important thing in networking. Network Solutions has made it possible for you. Analyze Analyze the general or common pattern traffic utilization patterns and try to make it more seamless. Automation The network change and configuration are under Automation. Troubleshoot Any kind of trouble in network afterwards, network solution is there to fix it.  To ensure the quality of their  service. (function() { var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true; po.src = 'https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); Leave a Reply Click here to cancel reply. Comment

Call it LANifest destiny: the sense the Internet should be available, everywhere, from sea to shining sea. The same illness is starting to infect national parks. Last year, the National Park Hospitality Association petitioned the National Park Service, asking it to make parks more smartphone-friendly.

Meanwhile, in the spirit of the Wilderness Act, cities could take easy steps to provide a short respite from all that connectivity. Withholding Wi-Fi is easy. Jammers that block cellphone signals are cheap, simple, and effective over short distances. Physical parks could offer outdoor areas where your phone won’t work, and where your computer can’t pick up any kind of Wi-Fi signal. There could also be wireless-free areas of libraries, coffee shops, public squares, and office buildings.

Poll hotel guests on which amenity is most important to them and chances are they’ll vote for connectivity. But it’s more than just raw Internet access they expect these days. In this new always-connected age, guests want easy and persistent access to all things digital that can enhance their experience, both within and outside the premises. It’s a big reason why hoteliers are now spending as much time and resources on network technology and applications as they are on the quality of their linens and food service. Hotel customers expect the same online convenience and customization they have in their homes. And with seemingly every traveler equipped with laptops, iPads, and smart phones, they also expect their hotel to be place of ubiquitous connectivity. Indeed, according to Scot Campbell, chief information officer for MGM Mirage, the core of a hotel’s ‘cool' factor is technology. Campbell says that "we are building rooms where everything is on a network.”(1) Installing new technologies will give hotels a competitive edge with travelers for whom digital devices have become just another normal bodily appendage of sorts.

Poll hotel guests on which amenity is most important to them and chances are they’ll vote for connectivity. But it’s more than just raw Internet access they expect these days. In this new always-connected age, guests want easy and persistent access to all things digital that can enhance their experience, both within and outside the premises. It’s a big reason why hoteliers are now spending as much time and resources on network technology and applications as they are on the quality of their linens and food service. Hotel customers expect the same online convenience and customization they have in their homes. And with seemingly every traveler equipped with laptops, iPads, and smart phones, they also expect their hotel to be place of ubiquitous connectivity. Indeed, according to Scot Campbell, chief information officer for MGM Mirage, the core of a hotel’s ‘cool' factor is technology. Campbell says that "we are building rooms where everything is on a network.”(1) Installing new technologies will give hotels a competitive edge with travelers for whom digital devices have become just another normal bodily appendage of sorts.

t's a big reason why hoteliers are now spending as much time and resources on network technology and applications as they are on the quality of their linens and food service.

Yet, adding IoT solutions or hosting large conferences may strain your existing system. Your tech amenities won’t deliver a high return on investment without a stable and secure wireless network.

Overseeing your WiFi system is a full-time job. It requires time and financial resources to update infrastructure, replace old equipment, and patch firmware.

Fortunately, managed WiFi providers solve your wireless dilemma with tailored recommendations.

Hotel guests expect to be able to connect to the internet seamlessly and without too many interruptions, leading hotels to invest in better, faster Wi-Fi infrastructure so that people can do business and use their technology devices with ease when they book their stay.

Hotels are also starting to move away from user pay models. In the past, hotels could charge exorbitant rates and guests knew they would have to pay if they wanted to go online. Installing and maintaining a hotel-wide wireless network may be coupled with costs, but many leading hotel groups have started to install high density Wi-Fi and started to offer in-building mobile phone coverage as guests have come to expect these services during their stay (not only for themselves, but also for their guests if they are hosting a conference or function at the hotel).

Digital conference facilities

Hotels around the world are using technology in new ways, with the goal of speeding up or personalizing more services for guests.

He said he had found that hotels were using technology as a substitute for human hospitality.

Instead of the staff at the front desk offering advice on where to go for dinner, guests may be lent an iPad loaded with maps and suggestions for local restaurants and sightseeing.

The United States wireless network provider Meru Networks Inc is eyeing the Chinese market with the company expecting its revenues in the Asia-Pacific region to double in the next two to three years.

The country's thriving hospitality industry and higher education institutes will be the biggest customers for Meru

China has been one of the fastest developing markets for Meru because of increasing demand despite slowing gross domestic product growth

Most U.S hotels are vulnerable to malicious attacks and are "ill prepared" to protect their guests from internet security problems, claims a study published by Cornell University

hotels

having a robust set of firewalls that are managed and properly configured, splitting networks, and educating staff of the importance of security standards.

One item in particular -- Internet costs and fees -- is pressing some guests' buttons, churning up "resentment, frustration and anger," says Stuart Greif, a J.D. Power vice president

"At the luxury level, where they're paying for a lot more, there's a feeling you should be giving more freebies, like Internet Wi-Fi, which many lower priced hotels offer for free."

Fifty-five percent of hotel guests use the Internet during their hotel stay, the study says, up from 20% in 2006. Of those, 87% connect by Wi-Fi. Eleven percent of guests who use the Internet said they paid an additional fee to connect.

This article describes VoIP and how it can be used by hoteliers to rebuild guest telephone revenue, reduce the expense of the hotel's own telephone service costs, enhance your guest service portfolio and add a differentiation factor against your competition.

In simplest terms, VoIP reduces the cost of international calls by using the public Internet instead of dedicated telephone operator facilities.

The caller places the call on a special desktop telephone connected to the Internet, through a computer with "soft phone" software or through a VoIP-enabled PBX.

Since millennials are helping to steer technology trends, hotels are increasingly adopting technologies to differentiate themselves, attract loyal customers, and increase revenue.

some hotels are offering free Wi-Fi, beacons and digital signage technologies as a way to communicate with guests through smartphones, tablets and screens.

beacon technology, used in tandem with other technologies, can improve the guest experience and the hotel's bottom line.

By Les Shu — April 24, 2015 7:00 PM 1 94 Subscribe Share Don't Fall Behind Stay current with a recap of today's Tech News from Digital Trends

Where technology is concerned, most hotels are behind the times. Sure, they offer amenities like Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, USB ports, and perhaps some extras like iPhone docks, but most hotel rooms don’t impress.

Besides the Yobot, Yotel features automated check-ins and check-outs (similar to airport kiosks), adjustable smart beds from Serta, and a “Technowall” with a flat-screen TV and streaming audio.

Hotels are finally dropping internet fees—only to replace them with "tiered service" and sometimes unimpressive speeds.

a growing number of properties have adopted a tiered model, offering free basic service but adding an often hefty charge— as much as $30 a day—for premium speeds.

basic Wi-Fi at many hotels measures less than three megabits per second (Mbps), which is just enough for e-mailing and Web browsing—leaving some guests no choice but to pay for the faster speed