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Juice it Up's new CEO started right before the corona virus hit. And while at first that seemed to be a daunting task, her goals ended up aligning with the needs of this new era: get better technology. For a mostly franchised brand, Taylor new that getting this tech up and running was going to be difficult, but also that it was going to be necessary to the success of the company. The "brand didn't need to change it's business model because most of their business came from to go order already," but Taylor found the company to be seriously lacking in technology. Her goal: a mobile POS system that would offer menu information, nutritional elements, the ability to order ahead, leave a tip, and schedule a pick-up. What is unique about this app and this system, is that it is not through a third-party system, which is what most restaurants are currently using. It opens up the potential for more companies, specifically large brands, to begin to do a similar thing. This will be an incredible save for profit margins if it proves to be successful, as the current crisis of third-party delivery and POS systems is wreaking havoc on our nation's restaurants.

This is an article I found which compares POS systems use in the hospitality fields versus use in the retail sector. The writer of the article, Paul Broome, feels that the hospitality industry is not fully utilizing the sets of data that could help their business grow. He explains, "The amount of data in the world is doubling every two years..." For the retail fields, this data shows product patterns of customers, but for hospitality, this data "hold insights about customer behaviour that could transform their business and allow them to stay one step ahead of their competition." Broome provides multiple ways in which hospitality organizations can better utilize the mass sets of data available. One of these is for the organizations to use evidence and strategy rather than instinct in analyzing data. Another important strategy, according to Broome, would be to use the sets of data for future marketing purposes. "For organisations in the hospitality sector, these vast sets of data hold insights about customer behaviour that could transform their business and allow them to stay one step ahead of their competition. Times are tough - but there are huge opportunities for those that get it right."

This article introduce a new online marketing product that not only can help the hotel reduce cost but also improve the hotel's online presence which results in an increase in direct bookings, less reliance on 3rd party intermediaries, and the best ROI. This new product can up-to-date the hotel's information that will attract more guests that put a hotel miles ahead of the competitors. It also offers an option for guests to choose the phrases that they are interesting. In addition, this product provides the freedom to make convenient updates for hoteliers. The hotel management team does not need the outside support team to manage the e-marketing system.

This article shows how despite the trend into mobile devices and tablets, the industry growth of fixed POS system is still ahead. it is very interesting to see these findings, since nowadays all one seems to see or read about is this addiction to mobile devices and tablets. The article found growth in all the major regions of the world, which clearly states that this is not a random occurrence.

With all of the challenges that have faced the hotel industry in recent years, organizations have been forced to find new tools to make sure that guests are satisfied. Technology has been a very important part of making sure that organizations are able to do this. Guest now have certain expectations from hotels concerning a hotels website. Not even expectations, but demands. A hotels website is expected to be a direct portal to the hotels. More than just an online booking tool, but also provide photos, information on the area, and accurate rates and options. Having an effective hospitality management system is also essential to customer satisfaction. When expanding hotels to different areas, having a system in place to ensure that all the hotels produce the same results, the same successful results, is mandatory to remain a viable brand. This is especially true in areas where cultue and language can be a chanllenge to expansion. Being able to digitilize the processes that are usually done on paper is also vital to hotel operations because it helps managers track inventory and plan ahead for preventitive maintenence and ordering materials. This also introduces cost savings. Where having internet access has been a requirement for more high-end hotel guests before, it has now become a requirement for all travelers. With the use of mobile phone, tablets, and laptops that all have wireless capabilities, it is increasingly imparative that hotels increase their bandwith. What was at one time bonus features, is now a requirement for hotels to remain competitive in the hospitality markets.These investments in technology are the foundation for success in this year.

From the fore going, the computers are valuable in the management of a business when applied with information communication technology. Correctly and controlled systems are indispensable to a well-run business that wishes to maximize effectiveness and keep one step ahead of the competitions.  Therefore the impact of information and communication technology to the hospitality establishment can not be over emphasized if effectively applied will out perform others in the face of competitions.

A digital solutions named Beyond Digital Solutions based in the United Kingdom provided a technology for an airport hotel to enable guests to check their flight status. The technology is being used at the Hampton by Hilton near the Luton Airport just north of London. The hotel "installed a digital screen in its reception area to provide live flight arrival and departure details." This system also allows guests of the hotel to check-in for flights and print boarding passes. The company Beyond Digital Solutions has provided other hospitality technology for the industry such as digital signing that helps to provide information for guests regarding the local area or activity schedules.  I personally believe this is a smart idea for an airport hotel. Having the ability to check a flight status before you leave the hotel can help guests decide if they need to leave or wait if their flight is delayed. When traveling abroad not all the time do I have access to an internet device or my smartphone, so I feel this would be convenient. If my flight is delayed for a longer period of time, I could have the ability to stay at the hotel longer if I did not want to wait at the airport for an extended period of time. Even when traveling in the United States not all the time do I think to check my flight status ahead of time. If I saw this screen I would have the option to check my flight status because it is right there in front of me. I hope to see a system like this added to more airport hotels in the future. I see this as a huge benefit to airport hotels. 

Being ahead of the curve in IT investment can assist in an increase in ADR's and occupancy percentages, which translates to revenue. Mobile technology can assist streamline the guests' check-in/check-out process and offer other amenities via mobile technology. Social media technology offers a plethora of information for marketing and revenue management purposes as well.

Going green keeps hotels ahead of the game as travelers are choosing more environmentally friendly places to stay.

Nowadays, as travelers turn to the internet and mobile devices to research and book their travel online increasingly, the online marketing in hospitality has become a important sign for success. At the same time, the hospitality industry tries best to enhance their online booking service, hoping to turn general online travelers into loyal repeat customers that book directly on hotel websites. However, there are still are challenges as the industry has many complex factors. And this article gives solutions and results by introduce Adobe products.

In this article it talks about e business strategies. One of them being mobile device because research and booking travel have been so critical for people on the go. The HeBS is a big digital marketing firm for the hospitality industry. There are profitable online strategies to come by in the hospitality industry. These opportunities do not come easy many time it very complex but also very successful if it done right .Hotel budget have come to a plateau. Hotel need to step up the plate because online travel agencies have taken over the industry. In addition social media and smart phone have added new dimension for market that require new skills with their ideas. HeBS face a challenge by multichannel marketing success, improving return on ad spend, and making more online marketing to be able to come back by doing this they would have the solution and the result. The solution being, keeping clients of the curve of the competition by building direct online revenue. The result for that is providing insights. The market and the driving force for the differentiate competitors. The benefits will build a leading- edge for the hospitality industry

This article pretty much outlines the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computers in general, but it speaks of how hoteliers don't fully understand what a cloud is, much less trust to use one. It goes on to explain how cost effective the start up for a cloud network is in terms of hardware, software and time. But, in long term, the monthly payments for web hosting, software hosting, storage, etc are never ending. Although at least these costs are such that you can plan ahead for. There is also a greater vulnerability to hacker attacks in the cloud. Redundancy is an issue as well, since clouds are hosted in a single data center. The article ends with a warning on service providers and the importance of finding the right one for you and your needs.

This is a very informative article and a good source that gives me basic understanding of cloud computing. Some of the aspects of the cloud are same as I expected and some are not. As companies or people using cloud computing don't have to purchase software and equipment to store or manage data, and to upgrade servers frequently, the cloud is a cost effective and efficient alternative. However, it will increase companies operating expenses as it requires monthly bills which might be costly depending on usage.

This article addresses the differences between how CIOs in mid-sized companies and those in large companies behave towards IT investing in times of economic hardship. Specifically, it points out the mid-sized companies are quicker to jump on board with IT investments in hard economic times based on the premise that the cost benefits will be greater if they invest sooner. They were more likely to overspend in IT to try and get a step ahead. The larger companies were more likely to take a wait and see approach and to cut back on their IT budget in hard economic times. These larger companies tend to wait longer to make sure that the IT investment will pay off. When the economy is more stable, the spending between the two becomes more closely aligned. It appears that the mid-sized companies scramble to find any IT tech angle available in hard times to try and get ahead. In slower times, the mid-sized companies behave more like the large companies.

This article talks about the growth and development of mobile technology has had positive effects on society. There are many advantages that are experienced from the implementation and use of mobile technology. It is obvious that mobile devices are intended to play and gradually more important role in the distribution and sale of travel services in years ahead. Hotel companies should capitalize on this technology and make the process of booking travel using smartphone. It will be a more intuitive process for guests. Mobile technology enables you to get real time hotel information and enable you to make speedy and informed decisions. With a big number of people using mobile technology growing each day, businesses are adopting the use of commerce to reach a larger pool of possible clients. By doing so, hotel businesses are able to increase their revenues and client base.

I agree with you, eventually more hotels will start using smartphones which will also give a more personalized service to consumers. For example if a guest has a request he can just send a text to a concierge or someone at the front desk who will meet and exceed his expectations.

The growth and development of mobile technology has had positive effects on society. There are many advantages that are experienced from the implementation and use of mobile technology. It is obvious that mobile devices are intended to play and gradually more important role in the distribution and sale of travel services in years ahead. Hotel companies should capitalize on this technology and make the process of booking travel using smartphone. It will be a more intuitive process for guests. Mobile technology enables you to get real time hotel information and enable you to make speedy and informed decisions. With a big number of people using mobile technology growing each day, businesses are adopting the use of commerce to reach a larger pool of possible clients. By doing so, hotel businesses are able to increase their revenues and client base.

This article talk about the PMS system in Middle east recent years. It is an important time of year for the hospitality industry in the Middle East. The region's industry has witnessed a strong recovery of 78.6% occupancy rates over last year and the holiday season continues to hold tremendous promise of high tourist traffic and increased occupancy. With the highlight of the year- Dubai Shopping Festival 2012 fast approaching, hoteliers need to brace themselves for round-the-clock services as they run at nearly 100% occupancy. Here will be integral for them to relook at existing business procedures to ensure efficient use of resources and enhanced guest experience. Technology is a key driver of business growth for the hospitality sector across segments. While hotels leverage technology, hoteliers need to remember that mere adoption of innovation does not suffice. Effective implementation of required hardware and software proves beneficial only if the hotel ERP is adequately aligned with the hotel's business needs. In 2010, tourist arrivals to theMiddle East increased by 14%, registering a total of 56.6 million tourists. The positive outlook of the year ahead will place an impetus on the adoption and implementation of CRM tools as well. Luxury hotel chains in theMiddle Eastalready offer rewards and loyalty programs for customers, however, with the advent of social media, CRM tools have been revised to track discussions and reviews on hotel properties. One of the key challenges for large hotel chains is to stay connected with their managers on-the-go. Hand held devices like PDAs enable hoteliers to stay connected with ongoing activities at their property and an integrated PMS system sends out automated updates to improve communications.

The reason for my choice is to show that GDS is still preferred in this age. No matter what evolution takes place with direct booking, GDS would never fade away. It is proven that via GDS, the occupancy in hotels are greater than direct booking, once again due to the fact that people have used this before and are comfortable with it and will not want to change.

Hotel booking transactions have increased by 8.8% since April which is the highest year increase through GDS since August 2011 setting a new record. Previously January lead with the strongest growth at 7.9% over 2012. Bookings are primarily business travel and have helped set an increase of 4% with rates .1% ahead of last years. When reported in 2011 it was said that the hotel industry is heavily influenced by the economy verses today reporting positive economic indicators which is definitely welcoming business and leisure travelers to book their travel plans using GDS. Not only did business travel increase so did leisure travel increasing by 6.2% from April 2012. This year in April growth reached its highest growth pace thus far at 5.4% with an increase in rates by 1.2%. Seems like people can always find money in their budget to travel. For the "condition" of the economy I am happy to see that leisure travel is still increasing and people are still using GDS to book. As we discussed in our discussion board, GDS should continue to be used. It is obviously growing and people have not stopped using it. All ages are using GDS and are finding it to work for them. As far as business travel, my company requires us to use our online travel agent even when booking through Expedia or another site is cheaper. They say it's the way they track our expenses for the year. I think businesses have started hiring less people and are requiring their employees to work remotely and then travel when needed. This could be where some of the increase in business travel is coming from.

McDonald's has been promoting mobile payments in the Austin, TX. Consumers' experience is not up to par compared to Starbucks mobile payments. Because the level of employees not understanding mobile payments is much different compared to Starbucks. In order to utilize the mobile payments, streamlined payments is the most important. Seconldy, experience should be seamless. Educating employees on how the technology works and creating a strong infrastructure would be necessary.

Diamond Foods was one of the largest snack foods corporations that were involved in an accounting fraud. This was an investigation that was going on for two years that is finally being settled. The former CEO was accused of falsifying costs in order to boost numbers on the stock market. The costs of walnuts had increased, however, former CFO was hiding that fact and misleading the market to let them believe Diamond Foods was beating earning estimates each time. Diamond Foods was acquiring Pringles but fell apart due to the scandal; this would have been a $2.5 billion deal. Talk of bankruptcy, stocks taking a nose dive, and a breach in loans made the banks take a step back, however, the company persuaded them to continue holding out for them. Diamond now has a new CEO and things are slowly starting to turn back around for the company. It's unfortunate that companies feel they have to lie, cheat and steal just to come out ahead. Some companies are getting away with it, but eventually it all goes back around.

With technology fast growing, it is because part of our everyday life in everything that we do. And as for the hotel sector, IHG wants to stay ahead of the game. On the verge of releasing a series of technologies to be used in its hotels, IHG is keeping customer satisfaction as their main priority. 

This article provides an interesting idea regarding technology and staying ahead of the curve. Since technology is evolving at such a rapid pace it is impossible to keep up while staying within a reasonable budget and pleasing the guests. Instead this article introduces the idea that instead hotels should be a platform for the users of technology instead of being the one with the latest technology.