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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

When Room Key entered the pantheon of metasearch engines, initial reactions varied. While big chains were seemingly excited for this alternative to third-party search engines, independent hoteliers maintained a reserved skepticism, wondering what place, if any, there will be for them on the site. These independent owners are taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to Room Key's potential influence on independents and hotel search-engine landscape.

Good example of the wait and see method as discussed last week. Be interesting to see how this one plays out for Room-Key as well as the smaller independent chains...

The article introduces how to manage revenue and cost strategies for boutiques and independent hotels. Compared to big brand hotels, boutique and independent hotels have less brand power, and less power of a brand sales team. So, they need to find the right tools to adapt and fit their own property. Firstly, GDS is a good source to gain an exceptional return on investment, but it costs a lot to adopt for small or mid-sized hotels. Thus, direct bookings can be the most cost-effective way for them to choose. By identifying the sales from group and OTA, revenue can increase and optimize profits. Hotel can hold events as one of the ways to increase revenue. Mixing F&B and event can achieve financial success. Also, independent hotels can use destination marketing to emphasize tourist spots and host more business trip. Lastly, the importance of social media and website is very high for boutiques and independents. As they constantly update their site, search engine optimization should be kept up with. Considering GDS system in the context of small property, they are not afforded to adopt the system though it has a lot of benefits to increase revenue. Thus, they should find the right tool to adapt while considering the budget or common booking tool utilized.

This article summarizes the findings taken from research done within the Expedia Group's global hotelier panel consisting of 1,215 hotelier participants that used a choice-based study to compare technology investments between defined hotel chains and small independent hotels. In summary, chain hotels were likely to invest twice as much in technology when compared to small independent hotels. Conversely, small independent hotels were likely to invest more in rooms reservations than chain hotels. The I.T investment strategy varied among the two hotel segments. Small independent hotels choose technology based on affordability, value, and complexity of technology, whereas chain hotels bought technology based on its ability to integrate into their existing systems, the price was not mentioned.

My opinion on this article surrounds my personal experience in the way I have been able to experience third party extranet portals and because of these enhancements that Expedia has developed for hotel partners, I have seen a tremendous amount of return on investment that goes into technology development. Many consumers have been influenced by these third party sites because they offer a type of experience that is different from traditional booking methods and often times consumers are able to snag cheaper rates than they would with booking hotel direct. I would like to see how this trend goes on in future years because I have seen more third party bookings in recent months and it should follow that trend for years to come.

The article focuses on applying technology in the hospitality industry, based on the study conducted by Expedia Group (Big Think). The article summarized the research study conducted on 1215 hoteliers worldwide, assessing the focus and prioritization of technology investments by these businesses. The study provides that Chain of hotels are twice as likely to invest in technology than SME in the hospitality industries, with these SMEs being 1.5 times more likely to invest in renovations. In the year 2019, approximately 54% of hotels focused on increasing their technology investments, with only 8% focusing on reducing the same. This provided that more hoteliers were willing to "stay ahead of the curve" than those that focused on adopting the "wait and see" approach. In this respect, hoteliers identified that their main technology investments were influenced by the value and affordability of the same and the capacity to integrate them with existing technologies. On the other hand, the main challenges associated with the technologies were complexity, affecting 25% of the respondents, and ease of use, affecting 33.33% of the respondents (Big Think). In focusing on technological advancement, the Expedia Group focused on technological elements such as Partner Central Mobile Application improvements, new "rooms and rate," page improvements, new "marketing" improved pages, new homepages adaptive, as well as multiple-property portfolio dashboards. With regard to the market perspective, digital marketing/website optimization, smart room, reputation management, revenue management, guest check-ins, and payment solutions were the main technological focuses for the hoteliers. Focusing on the reasons hoteliers were motivated to invest in technology, the study established that improving productivity, improving loyalty and repeat visits, improving guest experiences and reviews, reducing costs, and improving revenue generation topped the list.  

This article discusses some current trends in property management systems and how Maestro by NORTHWIND is ready to deliver. Maestro by NORTHWIND is a PMS used by many independent hotels and resorts and offers 20 integrated modules. One of the top trends for 2012 is mobile optimization for management and guests. More and more people are turning to mobile apps for personalized services, and express check-in and check-outs. Maestro Xpress Check-In App allows properties to use iPads and other tablets to do this anywhere there is WIFI. Maestro's App will also allow managers access to reports, and real-time activity from anywhere allowing managers more control over their business. Another growing trend is cloud PMS. Maestro has a cloud based system that claims it can increase productivity at the same time reducing costs. Managers can manage multiple hotels from a single location and reduce costs because they won't have to maintain an in-house PMS. There is also a steady increase in direct online booking from mobile apps and social media sites. Maestro Web Connection reduces the commissions paid to online travel agencies and 3rd parties by allowing guests to book reservations directly. Another way Maestro helps independent hotel chains is by offering them a guest loyalty system to help them offer some of the same incentive and reward programs offered by larger hotel chains.

Northwind Maestro leads the innovations of industry. Cloud system platforms are not just for the large chains. Small, independent operators also can use web-enabled platform with lower cost. Mobile is another trend of PMS innovations. Customers can check in and checkout on iPad by using Maestro Mobile Apps. In addition, direct-booking online from Mobile is the third top trend in 2012 PMS technology. Maestro's Guest Loyalty System with online capabilities is the first application to offer independents the same benefits as major chains to recognize, reward, and retain guests.

Seeing the rapid development of mobile devices and social media, hoteliers are connecting PMS with mobile devices and social media. NORTHWIND Maestro™ is a kind of software which satisfies hoteliers' current requirement. NORTHWIND Maestro™ is an Internet-based PMS. It brings plenty of benefits to hotels. To illustrate, Maestro can reduce cost, create operating efficiencies, secure cardholder information, and to have instant remote access to their property or hotel group's data. Furthermore, since more and more people are using mobile devices to book rooms, make dining reservations or some other services, Maestro also develops mobile apps. "The Maestro Mobile App enables operators to wirelessly connect to their Maestro centralized system and provides access to management reports, real-time activity and other features found in Maestro." Maestro also thinks of customer loyalty by tracking customers and establish database.

According to the article, independent operators are taking advantage of vendor-mandated property management system upgrades to review alternative systems that offer more value for their investment. Rather than defaulting to a system upgrade, many independents are evaluating solutions that provide greater mobile versatility, loyalty functionality, and social media marketing capability. Maestro Enterprise Property Management hotel software is developed to provide a suite of business tools and services to meet the needs of independent hotels, resorts and multi-property groups. Maestro's Diamond Plus Service reduces operating costs, keeps staff productive and generates revenue. Diamond Plus Service also includes on-demand training, live webinars, PCI assistance, lifetime version upgrades, management strategies, property productivity audits and online marketing services to increase profitability.  Moreover, Maestro offers mobile-capable ResWave Booking Engine that enables guests to book reservations from virtually any directly from social media sites like Facebook to increase revenue and lower reservation costs. 

Northwind, provider of a cloud based PMS and reservation software solutions announced that independent operators and hotel groups seeking cloud based PMS. Maestro Suite is the cloud based PMS which Northwind provide its' service. The system is have 20 integrated modules to give operators a guest-centric and 360-degree view of all guests.It makes the operators be free from system support duties, maintain the property's modules and provide a secure environment for property data. This benefits the operators that they can focus their attention on guest service and revenue generating instead of concerning their data security. Also new staff can also learn the system more quickly because they can train from their browser from any location. A major advantage of cloud-based PMS is the lower labor cost. The IT person will no longer need on staff. Plus, this system will have no impact about the power outages. Independent multi-property host the system from their corporate offices to support their hotel groups. Cloud based PMS enables them to cross sell all their hotels and oversee operations for their entire enterprise. Another major advantage to cloud-based PMS us the ability of managers to monitor property performance remotely. Operators can remotely track all the performance data to help manage operations. Also the system does not require a property-based server so that the hardware cost is reduced. In a word, the cloud based PMS like Maestro benefits the independent operators and hotel groups with free up staff, provides PCI compliant secure environment, reduces hardware expenses and drives profitability.

WebRezPro, Charlestowne Hotels and Stash Hotel Rewards are now working together to develop an automatic system that sends data directly to Stash Rewards upon check out. With this new system, night staff does not need to gather all of this data nightly and send it to Stash points. All information and transferred immediately. Having this software allows these "independent hotel clients to compete head-to-head with chain hotels." This still allows the independent hotels to be smaller and provide personalized interactions with guests.

Maestro is the future of PMS in hotels! This cloud based system allows hotels with multiple properties to be fully integrated with one another. Hotel chains like Marriott International, Hilton, and InterContinental hotel groups are among of Maestro's customers. Hotels rave about Maestro flexibility, 24/7 support, and excellent customer service.

Revenue Management is a practice that all hotels should have adopted by now, even small independent hotels. Revenue management used to be practiced by only high-end hotels who could afford to have a single job position titled "revenue manager" however, technology has allowed us to see the benefit of having a dedicated revenue manager. Revenue management has allowed hotels to have higher profits than ever, by simply adjusting their prices based on demand. Smaller, independent hotels will typically give the general or front office manager this title, which is where they are making their mistake. Living in this era of online sales, we have to be aware that there can be a lot of missed revenue if we are not educated and practice proper revenue management. Other factors contribute to revenue management as well such as: distribution channels, social media, and technology.

IT in hospitality is most depends on the multiple factors:1. we are using methodology to analyze which are the most factors to be easier effected the people who in hospitality. 2. Findings. Only half of independent hotels use any form of information technology.Smaller hotels are less likely to use IT with only 26 per cent of those hotels with less than 20 rooms being users.Factors such as location, i.e. whether a hotel is situated in a rural or urban environment, seem not to affect use. 3. user and non-user. The profile of the hotel manager himself/herself was a significant determinant in the adoption of IT and those managers who do not use IT are generally older and have poor academic qualifications. This indicated that the more young manager or stuff in independent hotel, the most often IT system or hardware and software being used. Those who did not use IT in their hotels gave the main reason for this lack of use as the cost of the systems involved although 58 per cent could perceive a positive benefit provided by a computer system which would indicate an undeveloped market for hardware and software suppliers. Concerns were expressed at the plethora of software and hardware (which made it difficult for non‐users to make a choice), the lack of independent advice, and the difficulty of keeping abreast of technology with the volume of hardware and software emerging daily. This seems to indicate that the fear of making a poor choice prevents some non‐users from making any choice. So it is seems like concerns with the unfamiliar especially in the non touchable IT area, being a barrier for the older manager from independent hotel keep in touch with IT. IT has much to offer in terms of competitive advantage. This survey recommend those non-IT hotel being changed, even with many of the barriers on their face, let the IT come to your life and make your business more easier and profitable. If we intend to get the survey as more specific as we can, which means we

The findings of this research make very interesting reading. We were impressed to see so many independent hotels using social media - 85% had a Facebook page and 74% were on Twitter, although only 35% actually responded to our tweet. The fact that 37% of the hotels take the time to respond to every review on TripAdvisor was also very positive

This article presents that many of independent hotels choose the cloud based PMS to make their working systems more profitable. One of the cloud based PMS, Maestro property management system showcases enhanced technology, additionally customer engagement for increasing a loyalty as like as chain hotels. Here are trends that make independent hotels more productive and profitable. First, it makes direct booking that could reduces reliance on OTAs and boost occupancy. Second, its automated e-messaging increase guest retention and revenue. Third, it boast its affordable and secure information. It delivers instant remote access to property and let operators manage multipe properties. Fourthly, it provides dash board to access to real-time data and make on-the-spot decision. Fifthly, it provides guest loyalty programs to compete with chains. It has automated tracking system to redeem points and boost customer loyalty. lastly, it offers to users the knowledge center for 24/7 to let Maestro users to be familiar with the system and provide access to tools and resources.

Maestro PMS system provided by Northwind just recently signed up 10 new independent hotels companies.  They are focused on supplying their system to independent hotels and have been operating for the past 35 years. They continue to develop their technology to meet the expanding requirements of their clients. These include enhancing guest service, improving efficiency, and lowering expenses.

Open Key has made a partnership to run their application with the IBC hospitality group which caters to small hotels and boutiques. With this app they will be able to provide the guests with the most convenient and tech savvy way to enjoy their hotel, with being able to open the door, to receiving concierge services, to learning what is in the hotel. This technology is essential as hotels are trying to find the best way to make the guests experience the most convenient as possible and to attract new guests and to bring back returning guests. With this introduction of the Open key app into smaller hotels it will improve the communication with the guests, reduce overhead and increase customer loyalty and satisfaction.

During the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, restaurants have been searching for ways to make profit now that many of them have been closed, or are operating on 25% or less. DoorDash, the leader in online ordering platforms, is determined to assist these failing independent restaurants the best they can. To help, they have established the DoorDash Storefront, which is a

This article is about innRoad a New York based company that specializes in delivering SaaS and web based PMS and software solutions specifically targeted at independent hotels. The article mentions how the company just received almost $6 Million dollars to invest in expanding and and building their sales team. The CEO of the company brings up an interesting point about brands, and mentions that its becoming less and less about he size or name of the brand but rather how your peers and others rate their experience in a particular hotel. This will provide leverage for smaller independent hotels to gain popularity and grow. InnRoad's software is doing big things to help its clients better connect with customers and manage their properties.

This article gives a good short look at the pros and cons of the Aloha POS system. The system is one of the most popular POS systems used in the industry. Aloha is currently used by small independent restaurants, local franchises, and national chains. The system is said to be a blend of many systems. NCR recently purchases Radiant Systems the developer of Aloha. The system includes both hardware and software. Some of the benefits of the system include the large number of training modules. Operationally the system has a "intelligent tracking system including on-screen dashboards that update in real-time to assist in management decisions in both FOH and BOH areas". In addition, the system can "personalized service by identifying repeat customers, remembering their preferences and keeping track of VIP guests". Back office features that are included with the system are labor assignments and work schedules. The systems also can keep track of maintenance, cleaning schedules, and daily duties. On the management side the system is said to provide "complete system control". Some critics of the system say the disadvantages are that the costs are too high and that restaurants pay for every upgrade. The quality of service depends on the quality of the local vender. Hardware may need to be changed with new upgrades is software adding to the high costs than expected by customers. After reading this article my feeling is that for an small independent restaurant the Aloha system might not seem like a good choice after considering the total cost of the system. Smaller, less complex systems seems like the way to go.

It gives a discription of how nowadays'  hotels develop and use of their PMS. Some brands develop their own PMS such as Marriott and Starwood; some look more to the independent and resort market expanded their PMS. It seems that we don't need so much kinds of PMS and so many function. According to the analysis of the market and demand, it comes the conclusion that a well- designed, intuitive and well-interfaced PMS module is still the core of operational success at every property.

Sabre Technology, based in Southlake, an affluent suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, recently acquired neighboring technology company Genares. Genares now provides GDS connections to Sabre, in addition to other major players, including Apollo, Worldspan, and Amadeus. Genares provides CRS, hotel marketing, and revenue management solutions, particularly to independently-owned hotels and chains, with a network that is over 2,300 strong. This will provide Sabre some control of the market as new competitor Booking.com, owned by The Priceline Group, enters the B2B arena with its recent acquisitions of Seattle-based hotel digital marketing startup Buuteeq and Barcelona-based Hotel Ninjas. Genares became a part of Sabre Hospitality Solutions, a subsidiary of Sabre Technology, which generated $711.7 million of the $3.04 billion in revenue that Sabre made in 2013. The acquisition of Genares will give Sabre more avenues to access independent and boutique hotels. It is worth noting that Sabre Hospitality Solutions already controlled "approximately 27% share of third-party hospitality CRS hotel rooms distributed through [their] GDS," making it the largest third-party provider in this space last year.