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This article discusses proximity marketing within the hospitality industry. Proximity marketing is a growing useful tool. Hotels are among those utilizing proximity marketing. As noted in the article and highlighted in yellow, proximity marketing allows the hotel to reach there guest after they check in. Following check in your phone can be used as increased access to the hotel. Proximity marketing is an enhancement which leads to increased innovation. Per the article proximity marketing is one of the most effective advertising tools to become available for hotels. Through proximity marketing messages are transferred to the guest cell phone. The cell phone access has the ability to lead to increased revenue. The hotel and guest can interact in new ways. This form of marketing caters to guest engagement, provides a new method of communication and allows for guests to receive information. Proximity Marketing is an innovative tool that I believe will continue and grow as the years continue.

Mobile proximity marketing in my opinion will continue more vigorously in the future . This is a captive audience for the hotel to connect with its guests to upsell , inform , drive business to the brand and its affiliates as well as a great tool for guest retention . Undoubtedly , the cell phone has replaced Ipads and computers in the movement for vacation guests for example . A guest would usually not take their laptops to the pool area but will more often than not , take their cell phone. A popup Ad while walking by the boutique or an outlet can stir emotions to visit or purchase that was never planned.

This article discusses how, using proximity marketing and hotels can deliver relevant content to guests' mobile devices at moments of maximum influence, in a contextually relevant environment. With proximity marketing, hotels can advertise to a captive audience without leaving their property or hotel rooms. Messages can be tailored according to the hotel or advertising partner's needs in real-time.

This article is about the different keys available for hotels to use for their rooms. Metal keys which are like what we use everyday for our homes is an outdated form of security key in the world of technology. The key card system is a plastic card with electronic access. Hole cards seen rarely today is a plastic card with a series of holes to correspond to a specific door in the hotel. Bar code cards is exactly that a card with a bar code, like you see at the supermarket, which is placed under an electronic reader. This type of key has been fazed out due to easily being fooled. The magnetic strip key card are widely used in the hotel industry. They look like a credit card with a metallic strip on the back. It has extra protection unlike other types of keys. The newest system is the RFID key card system, which has a radio sensor chip embedded inside. It works with a programmed reader and when the key is brought in close range the door unlocks and opens. This article was about the security keys being used in hotels.

Marilyn, This is an interesting article because I never knew the progression of hotel key cards. I do not think anyone did and we just assume they started somewhere simple and got to where they are at now. Key Cards with RFID seem as though they are the best type of key but also very expensive for the hotels, especially if it is a large property. We only see the one kind of key card now in hotels and to me it seems secure but who knows what information is actually stored on that card. Great article !

This article is about the different keys available for hotels to use for their rooms. Metal keys which are like what we use everyday for our homes is an outdated form of security key in the world of technology. The key card system is a plastic card with electronic access. Hole cards seen rarely today is a plastic card with a series of holes to correspond to a specific door in the hotel. Bar code cards is exactly that a card with a bar code, like you see at the supermarket, which is placed under an electronic reader. This type of key has been fazed out due to easily being fooled. The magnetic strip key card are widely used in the hotel industry. They look like a credit card with a metallic strip on the back. It has extra protection unlike other types of keys. The newest system is the RFID key card system, which has a radio sensor chip embedded inside. It works with a programmed reader and when the key is brought in close range the door unlocks and opens. This article was about the security keys being used in hotels.

This article summaries how tablets have made it into hotel guest rooms. It begins by discussing how tablets are an exceptional idea and it describes how unique and remarkable a hotel can be. Not only is it admirable for hotels, but it is also very convenient and easy for a guest to use. This software by Intelity is very impressive, it basically lets guests control their hotel room as well as other things such as surfing through the internet. The article points out how some people may differ and think why can't a guest just pick up the phone if they need something? They explain that guests have gone beyond the point of using a phone. For instance, if they need a valet service all they have to do is pick up the tablet and let the staff know. A key factor that the article discusses is the fact that with this tablet and software system, the possibilities are endless. In addition, it eliminates the need of waiting around for answers and gives guests information about the hotel hours, services, etc. The article explains that not only is the tablet extremely efficient, but that it also cuts down spending costs of printing numerous information. In conclusion, I agree with this article about the numerous benefits a tablet can bring to a hotel. "The iPad is the hardware, but the software will never be outdated. It's always the most recent application available, and that's important in staying competitive."

This is awesome! Last summer I stayed at Bed and Breakfast in Nantucket MA where they had an IPAD for every room. When you logged on the Safari, there was a homepage that lead to all of the activities that you could possibly do or take part in on the island. It included movies, restaurants, boat schedules, sunset times etc. This was a small Bed and Breakfast so it would be next to impossible to steal these tablets. I would worry that people would steal them. Unless somehow you could make it so you can't remove them.

I posted an article about how owner's of a restaurant used an Ipad as their menu! It is somewhat similar in the sense that both industries use this advance technology to be a main factor in their business. I am sure that you can find many applications in the Ipad to guide you to everything that you can find in the hotel you are staying. I think it is a great idea and it also cuts down spending costs of printing papers like you said!

This article focuses on the benefits that Maestro (a property management system) offers to hotels and how it has been benefitting hotels that currently use their system, more specifically, smaller, independent hotels. Most chain hotels and large facilities are required to utilize a flag-mandated property management system. However, independent operators are not linked with these mandated systems, and have a choice as to which system to utilize. Maestro claims to offer Northwind, a service that allows Maestro to be utilized in a cloud-based system, enabling it to host multiple properties and save the establishment money by not requiring them to purchase servers and security, whereas a traditional PMS would have done so. The president of Northwind also states that they strive for their clients to succeed and that it is more of a partnership with those who utilize their service, and their goal is to make a hotel's operations more profitable and efficient. The article continues on to explain the uses and functions of the Maestro system, including being fully-integrates and offering operators loyalty program benefits and the functionality to compete with programs that were solely available to chains. It also tracks points earned and redemption stays as well for those loyalty programs, and claims to minimize errors and save operators money. It also allows integrations that provides social media outlets through the property management system, allowing the user to operate their business simultaneously through different systems. Maestro also boasts that the utilization of their property management system allows hotels to increase their direct bookings through the property for a lower cost than if they were to utilize a different system in which it was not flawlessly and seamlessly integrated with a global distribution system. It seems to be a property management system that enables users to complete many tasks at once, from one location, without having the hassle of

This article was all about the hotel security concerns for 2012. The 5 things the article lists as issues are: IT, terrorism, skimmers, liability and insurance fraud, and finally security as taboo. IT in a concern for hotel security because mobile and cloud technology is becoming very popular. Companies that do not protect their information with passwords are even more at risk. Data protection needs to include end to end management so companies are not just patching the security. Terrorism is another issue that was a concern in 2012. Hotels need to keep staff and travelers knowledgeable about possible threats, but in a way that does not scare them. Campaigns were placed in airports to educate travelers about notifying security upon seeing something suspicious. Another thing that hotel security should be concerned about is skimming. Skimming is a device that catches credit card numbers. Usually there is a need for an inside man for this type of threat. These people usually aren't criminals, but opportunists. Prevention of this in your hotel could be to hire an investigative team man making that known to the employees. This will keep honest people honest. Insurance fraud is one of the greatest business risks and it's the most expensive. Claims could be as small as a guest seeking a free room for stubbing his toe to a drawn out worker's compensation case. Liability is the label that hoteliers are held liable for criminal acts of a third party. Hoteliers should properly educate themselves on these issues and consulting an attorney if necessary. The final issue is security as a taboo. Security should become a part of day to day operations and hoteliers will be better able to address it. Hotel executives should insist their GM's make security a priority. This article was written for the year 2012. I still think that all these issues are relevant in 2013.

This article expounds how important the speed of IT is in order to effectively balance business value, risks, and technical feasibility. The article continues to explain how the speed of IT should be as fast as possible unlike traditional single-speed delivery models that work well for high-torque enterprise operations did not work well for high-speed innovation. According to the article, a growing number of CIOs realize that projects often require additional gears that meet their specific needs and cadences. With investments in foundational and flexible procedural, architectural, and organizational domains, right-speed IT can help turn simplistic models and philosophical discussions into concrete value. In conclusion, CIOs are finding a balance between high torque enterprise IT and high-speed innovation IT can allow companies to optimize technology operations.

This article talks about the future trend of the hospitality security, which is technology is opening new doors to hotel safety.  The author introduces some different technologies such as Contact-less Smartcards and RFID that hotels like New York's Plaza Hotel are currently using. Finger print or cellphone wipe technology is also used instead of card, which should be more safe. Some hotels even use video-capture systems to make sure the security is perfect. After introducing these technologies, the author also talks about the privacy issues. Because some customers are not willing to be on cameras. However, though some of them are concerning about this issue, an expert predicts that new security measures will eventually become such a part of everyone's everyday lives that he or she will become the norm. All in all, this article gives us the trend that more and more technologies will be used for hotel security in the future.

this article talks about new technology that is being implemented throughout out US and the world. Old key cards are now going to be replaced with even older standard keys or the radio frequency identification card that can be waived in front of the door to gain access. Also, there is a technology that will sent an encrypted sound text to guest;s cell phone, which when played back will open the door.  It talks about technology that tracks all employees, guests and their luggage.  There are several concerned that travelers have about their privacy, but article stated that it all depends on the type of the traveler.  Also, the face recognition technology used in Houston's largest hotel remembers guests names and when they return, guests are greeted by name.  Article concludes that even with all this technology, the best security is provided through interdependence of travelers and employees.  

Technology in the hotel travel and tourism industry will be changing drastically in the near future, from the swipe of a cell phone, print of a finger, facial recognition, iris scanners, security is going to be taken to the next level. the plastic key cards will soon no longer exist. Radio frequency I'd cards are the new thing, where guest will use this for preferences for everything, from charging things to your room, preference of floor type to pillow choice, chick in and out etc. systems that track the other qualities of a person instead of using a key or card are in development as well. There are research going on how to open the door and. Lose wi just the persons walk and movements. Some people think these new security technologies are awesome, while some think they are not, people dont want to be watched 24/7while on vacation they just want to enjoy there stay. But in today's society all travelers are becoming interdependent on each other for safety and security.

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.

This article introduces the hospitality industry's first Mobile Management device solution. MVI, an Asia-focused hotel technology provider, partnered with IBM to develop the new enterprise class MDM solution. The MDM solution provides effective management of smart mobile devices to support interactive, live and on-demand video services in hotels. The usage of this new device was recently incorporated at the L'Hotel`elan in Hong Kong. An iPad is provided for guest use in all the hotel's rooms, and it serves as an entertainment device, offering eGuest services such as TV channels and interactive guest services including in-room dining. The MDM solution is fully integrated with hotel PMS and POS systems, which allows the device to become a part of a hotel's overall management ecosystem. This device not only provides the features of an entertainment device for guests, but it also offers hotels unique management features. A few of the features include customized workflow to streamline the installation of hotels' managed apps on mobile device, comprehensive push-based notification management, availability for all Apple mobile devices, and effective protection of guests' own data and personal information for apps that required login. I recently went on a site visit at Turnberry Isles Resort with one of my classes. While on the tour, the lady conducting the tour mentioned that with the rate technology is advancing in the near future many of the hotel procedures will be completed via Ipad (such as checking in and out of the hotel). After reading this article, it seems as if the near future has already arrived!!!

I really liked this article. Personally, I do not have a good experience dealing with people at the front desk. Many people do not want to deal with employees and would find this method a lot easier and stress free. Now you can check in and out from both your TV in your room and also the iPad device. Great article Nicole!

This article talks how about how far CRSs have evolved, from providing basic information to the "cornerstone of worldwide electronic distribution networks. Just like we read in the GDS article, CRSs have move from individual users to worldwide users offering a wide variety of information - availability, rates, departed guest information and much more. CRSs have also moved from one-way communication to two-way links. CRSs are now being tapped to provide sales information hotel company websites. They have definitely changed to meet the present needs of the industry.

This article is about how the POS system works with the ipads. Nowadays, as the Apple products-ipad attract so many people, more and more restaurants notice that applying ipads as part of their point of sale system is a good decision. iPad users are running the terminals in a variety of POS system configurations, including those centered around remotely hosted software running at so-called "cloud" data centers, to which store-level devices communicate via wireless Internet connections. Many restaurant operators feel satisfied with the POS running work with the ipads. The ipads are attractive, and many guests are interested in the products. The most important, using ipads as part of the POS system, they can help speeds up the ordering process in the restaurant. However, using the ipads is not a perfect idea because there is a high cost associated with the high technology products. In my opinion, it is good the combining the POS system with the latest popular products. As on one hand this can make the restaurant more attractive, on the other hand, it is a good way to increase the service speed.

This article describes how there are an increasing number of eco-friendly hotels,(popping up) in general, but more specifically in urban center. The article points to be the cost of energy and the new abundance of green technology as the primary reasons for the surge in the number of eco- friendly lodging. The article gives several examples of how city hotels are employing eco-friendly practices and products. First, Sheraton has introduced fuel cells in four of its urban locations. Fuel cells are ultraclean power plants with up to twice the efficiency of fossil fuel. Second, Hyatt is using renewable energy source (wind, hydro, and solar). Finally, Marriott and Hilton are even seeking difficult- to- attain leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certificates for the U.S Green Building Council, which can yield significant tax benefits.

This article basically talks about how much technology has changed and what directors of softwares predict technology will be in the near future. The article informs how the Peachtree Plaza hotel like many other hotels replaced the keys to all the rooms with electronic key cards. Which increased security for the guest and cost saving. Hospitality consultants agreed that in the future mobile phones will be the way to open guest room doors and will probably occur through infrared or wirelesss access to rooms. Neil Roodyn the director of software developers informed that he predicts that in the future people will be sitting around touch sensitive table top computer in lobbies where they can searchfor places to go in the area and make their own restaurant reservations. Neil predicts this can also influence more communication and interaction between guest. My thoughts on this article is that the younger generation is far more technology oriented and feel more comfortable with working all these new gadgets, but for the baby boomers and older crowd have the want and need of having that human interaction. Technology seems a bit to advanced for them. The more technology advances the less human interaction will occur. I think that technology advancement is great for everyone, but human interaction needs to remain for those that are not very technology savy.

This is an informative article, and I also understand Mary's opinion. Over decades, technology has rapidly advanced and it seems to be quite hard to catch up with all the new technology released quickly. For example, I stayed in a hotel called Aria, one of the newly built hotels in Las Vegas, and the hotel is equipped with state-of-the-art room technology (not just room but all over the hotel). To get into a room, unlike other hotels, I just put a room key on a sensor instead of inserting a key; as well as, I just touched a button right next to the door for privacy instead of putting the "Do not Disturb" card on a door knob. This is not something really huge, however this is how hotels are technologically changing. As a person studying Hospitality Management, the change was very impressive, but at the same time, it was intimidating. Obviously, our parents generation should have harder time to use new technology and/or to get used it than I do. I totally agree that there should be a balance between technology advancement and human interation.

I agree with Mary regarding baby boomers may not be as quick to adapt to the advancement of technology, however what is noticeable in resort hotels is that more people are taking family vacation and the kids are the ones driving the technology. It will therefore just be a matter of time where the use of technology within hotels will be just like a regular lifestyle activity.

This article is a good one that demonstrates how GDS are now more often used than times before. The article states that the 2011 Global Travel Agent GDS study demonstrates how important GDS platform and shopping Displays are to the travel agents. They stated the 84 percent of those who took the survey stated that they are using the GDS just as much or even more than they did in the pass and 35 % of these stated that they were using it more than they did in the pass. The article explained how these numbers have greatly increased since 2009 where only 26% agents admitted that they used the GDS systems more than before. This study is 2011 reaffirmed Travel Click's projection, which was that GDS hotel bookings would surpass %50 million in the year 2011. This was far more than that of 2010. The article goes on to explain how the GDS will improve the booking and services of the industry all around. Furthermore, the article went on to explain a worldwide survey conducted for agents who were among the largest GDS in the world and some 495 responses were collected. The survey was conducted by Phoenix Marketing International, which is and independent marketing research firm Travel agents were indicated that promotional messages were effective and prompt during bookings and 66% of these agents request additional information about it. While, 68% of these agents looked into the GDS for more information. After this survey was complete the agents who were aware of promotional messages, 46% of them made North American bookings within 3 months as a result of the promotional messaging and 44% made non- North American bookings. The survey itself shows that promotional messages were and excellent way to get the agents interested. In the article it is quoted how the promotional messages acts in a chain reaction to reach the agent and then the customer, which allows sales all over the world.

GDS provides a perfect virtual marketplace for travel inventory sellers such as hotels, airlines, and car rental systems to showcase their wares to a global Internet travel audience. The GDS is a natural outlet for hotels, resorts, and even smaller inns that want to increase revenue and online marketing exposure. As the GDS channel produces one of the highest average daily rates of any booking channel, there is a huge opportunity for hoteliers to influence travel agents through the GDS at the point-of-sale.

Yes, GDS is of great importance for tourism development. It provides such a huge market of tourism information for customers, airlines, hotels, travel agents and any parts included in the tourism. Someone said that GDS will end travel agent, however, in my opinion; they have their own advantages and will supplement each other in the future.

Firstly, Guest Centric PMS Focus. Guests are the reason why hotels are in this business and also the resource of the hotels' revenue. Guests prefer to get experience and personalized attention from the hotels. Secondly, Integrated Revenue Management. A property must have a PMS with an effective and integrated revenue management system, which include the potential daily revenue. The revenue management module and a great deal of data must be fully integrated. Thirdly, the Ability to Connect to Online Sales Channels. There is a PMS drive sales through two-way communication with a wide variety of Internet channels. This article points out online channels are the fastest growing source of reservations, and getting your property's optimized rates and accurate available to the most effective of those channels.

This article explains the top three features to look at when in the process of picking out a PMS to use at a property. The first feature is that it should be guest centric PMS focus. This industry is run by guests. They are the reason hotels and restaurants exist. Having an easy to use CRM allows to employees be a bit more personal with the guest. Next, is integrated revenue management.Revenue management to be at the top of its game needs a fast system. When updating information if it takes too long it gets frustrating and can lose some opportunities to increase your daily revenue. Lastly, it should have the ability to connect to online sales channels. The article says that having a two way communication system is a crucial point to maximizing your company's point of sales.

This article discusses about 3 main features you should consider when you chose a PMS. First and most important feature is that whether it is guest centric or not. The hospitality business is all about guest, they are the source of your profits. So it is very important that your PMS has easy access to customer database or CRM system database. The second thing you should consider is Integrated Revenue Management. Hospitality market changes rapidly due to all not sure factors: holidays, events, festivals. So if you can forecast the changes of market rate and you update your rate in time, you are ahead of the game. Last, a excellent PMS should also has the ability to connect to Online Sales Channels. As the Internet is developed, lots of people make on-line reservations. Because the most accurate and updated information, your PMS should connect to on-line sales channels.

This article is about GDS and cruise industry. What this article talks about is that UK's cruise market leader P&O Cruises, Cunard and Princess Cruises, will end its distribution through Amadeus, which is one of the largest GDSs in the world, in November 2011. The reason behind this is because these cruise lines figured out that almost 95 percent of its cruises are sold via its own website so they think GDS is no longer necessary for them. However, other major cruise lines such as Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Norweigian Cruises will still continue to feature on the GDS. According to a spokesman of Amadeus, the company keeps investing in distribution solutions, easier and more secure cruise booking application for cruise lines. This article shows how cruise distribution in the UK is shifting. This change would probably affect not only cruise lines but other sectors such as hotels, airlines, etc. Yet, it is still uncertain if the impact of the change on cruise industry worldwide will be significant. Still, most of cruise lines including the three major cruise operators which have large market share in the cruise industry use GDS; as well as, it is doubtful if cruisers are willing to go on a same cruise ship over and over. Cruisers look for various cruise options while booking online so they will be more likely to visit GDS-based website where they can search for various cruise ships throughout the world; rather than to visit website where there are much less cruise options. Everything will be clear after we see if the UK's cruise operator is successful.

This is a great article that discusses the upcoming technology that restaurants are looking into (and starting to use). There are five trends when it comes to the industry's technology: Energy Reduction, "Smart Operations", Multiuse equipment, Custom Equipment, and Mobile Ordering. This article shows how technology can help on reducing waste, but even the technology itself is smarter and greener, using less energy and recycling the energy it has already used (reclaiming steam from a dishwasher to use in future washes-an example of energy efficient equipment ). Mobile ordering saves wait time for consumers and reduces waste from tickets/receipts being printed. "Smart" equipment is assisting in reducing food waste in kitchens. And Multiuse equipment is reducing energy use/costs. This article is a perfect example of how technology is helping to reduce waste and energy.

The article was talking about the way we write emails, especially business emails. One should be careful of certain words they use, because what may seem funny or humorous to us may be offensive to the recipient. It is better to proofread our emails if we are not sure or ask somebody else to read it to get their understanding of what you are saying. The article also point out that it is better to send emails as BBC, if you are sending it to more than one recipient, instead of putting all email address in the To field as we normally do. When we use the To field it can also result in spyware-infection and this is how email address are often obtained by scammers. So the article was basically dealing with computer netiquette and how we should operate when sending messages to each other.

This article talk about the beginning of the unattended POS systems. Cashless transactions were becoming very popular a few years ago and not many people were carrying cash especially the younger people. These unattended POS systems made things easier with just a swipe. Being able to purchase things from the vending machines with a credit card or paying your phone bill in store at a kiosk with cash or credit card. These systems are making things more accessible for consumers. This articles again talks about the beginnings and the accessibility of the system.

This article discusses the use of electronic badges to analyze employee behavior. Over all it found that employees that spent time together were more productive. Other options to track and analyze employee behavior are with cell phones. The use of technology in badges to track and analyze employees was developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab. The article discusses the next challenge is to learn from the data collected and then influence how people work together. The badges do not collect actual voice discussions of the employee. The data collected is limited to employee movement, the tone of their voice and with whom they are talking. Office design is one area that the data is being used. For example, a water cooler may be placed is a specific location to make sure certain employees come in contact with each other. Other studies have shown that employees, such as programmers, who work in groups, are 8% more efficient when collaboration on a project is needed then working remotely. Overall the general consensus of the article is that creativity and productivity are better when people work together on site.

This article explains the basics of Cloud Computing and how more companies are converting to the "Cloud." The article will also detail the pros and cons of Cloud Computing and highlight current issues concerning this growing technology.