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This article discussed about the advantages the technology bring to hospitality industry and why it is important for hotelier to make investment in IT. Technology life cycle provides a model for companies to assess when to adopt new technology. The best balance between the investment costs and benefits are the leaders who invest less then pioneers and incur reduced risks. Hotel technology investment is critical today for the following areas, improve guest experience and improve operating efficiencies. Then the article continue to discuss the development of technology in the last and what the new technology investment brought to the hospitality industry. For example the client server technology brought the integration in the 1990s, more advanced and well-integrated system for on-stop guest services and database marketing. Technology advances have the potential to generate benefits critical to remaining competitive and ultimately driving expanded market share and profitability. The barriers to increase investment in technology by hotel owners and operators include general resistance to change, lack of available funds or manpower to invest in technology and perceived inability to quantify benefits. As a result, investments in technologies and effective application of these technologies in hotel operation and services will become one of the most decisive factors differentiating successful hotel organizations globally in the years ahead.

Like the tittle said, this article introduced some basic methods to keep data safe when connecting to public wireless hotspots. The author pointed out that whenever we connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots, most single piece of data can be picked up by anyone within range of the same network. It is very important to keep our data safety especially in the public place. The author introduced ten methods to protect data safety. It included turn off "auto connect", don't share files on computer, get a 3G or 4G adapter, create your own secure connection with a VPN, connect securely to your home PC, then connect to sites you need, firewall your computer and so on. During introducing the methods to protect the data, the author also told basic knowledge about how the data will be picked up by others.  In the part of don't share files on computer, the author pointed out that many people choose home network when they are connecting into public Wi-Fi which can let other people stole the sharing files. Also the firewall for the computer is really necessary to protect the data in the computer. Finally, the author told an easiest implementation which is restrict what you do on Wi-Fi. People should not do anything on Wi-Fi that you wouldn't want to share with anyone else like bill payments. It can let other people know your account and password when you make payments through public Wi-Fi.

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.

Technology has opened a new door to the consumer's lifestyle, and a great opportunity for the restaurant owners to make a significant profit; people are using the PC via internet and the mobile devices (smart phones) to place food orders and right away make the payment of their order getting the receipt via email. Consumers can see the menu and pictures of the different dishes with the description of the ingredients of each one and nutritional value. Consumers can place the food orders while they are in their office, school, home, etc. Also, social networking sites are playing an important tool for these restaurant owners in their marketing strategy, it helps to create brand loyalty, inform the consumers for the new events, and also advertise the job opening.

Windows 8 is due to be released to consumers on October 26. Priced at just $39.99, the upgrade is surprisingly affordable. If you're thinking about upgrading to Microsoft's latest operating system, now might be a great time to start your preparations.

Prospera Hospitality is a successful hospitality operator with 18 properties under the most recognized flags of the industry. In the article it is said that one of the reasons for this company's success is its centralized accounting software that allows them to create flexible financial reports. As different owners have different goals, thanks to its flexibility they are able to deliver them personalized reports. The software that is use by Prospera is Profitvue web-based enterprise accounting and performance management that generates individual and multi-property general ledger, enterprise resource planning, accounts payable, statistics, and financials. This software also generates side by side reports that help owners compare the performance of each hotel and identify problems or successful practices. Being a cloud based system creates a great number of advantages for this hospitality operator. As some of their properties are small with select services they don't have the resources to support on- property software. The software is installed on bigger properties and in the smaller ones only a PC with internet connection is needed.

Whether you are looking for a web-based or software-based POS system, you will want it to be a complete package. It should not only improve customer satisfaction, but also meet your needs as a retail business. The following criteria are what we looked for in these systems to meet both points. This article provides 10 Pos systems, and all of them are above good level in experts' and customers' eyes. It offers a detail analysis from hardware aspect which should include a PC or module, display, keyboard and mouse, high-quality cash drawer, barcode scanner, credit card reader, receipt printer and label printer, from the inventory & Other Features that will help track, organize and supply your inventory, from the customer tracking & labels that is quite beneficial to be able to retain customer information for future transactions, from employees & security that has multiple levels of security access and password protection, from help & support that provide training, technical help and warranty.

SKY Hospitality and Widewaters Hotels select ed Aptech's Profitvue enterprise back office solution to provide accounting processes across multiple-branded properties. SKY Hospitality: performance-based decision making. This could provide a hotel-specific accounting system to grow their business and enhance their resource panning. Comparing with other performance management systems, the Profotvue and Aptech's are superior to others. Widewaters Hotel: "solid accounting". The evaluation from the industry consultants showed that Aptech was the most experienced hotel accounting company, its systems were solid and it provided excellent professional service.

After owning and developing properties for Hilton, Marriott, and Starwood, Widewaters recently launched its own management company. "Aptech has a track record of supporting hundreds of hotels and multi-property groups," says Arigo. "They also have experience with the largest chain flag operations.  As we expand our management organization, we can rely on Aptech to provide systems that support our growth and are easy to use." Profitvue handles single hotel operations, and multi-property and multi-company accounting.       Profitvue is available as a standalone application or as a thin-client Internet-enabled ASP hospitality back office solution.  Aptech hosts the application at its secure data center and manages responsibility for data backups and system maintenance. Hotel operators require only a PC and Internet connection to manage all their property financials, corporate accounting, and reporting needs.

This article discusses the future of PMS systems as the author sees them. It is hard to think that properties would be able to switch PMS systems so easily due to many years of data being stored on the system. Companies like Marriott and Hilton have massive PMS systems that would have to be transferred. While I could see these systems moving to the tablet systems, it would take quite a bit of work to do so. Training would still be ab issue as well, but the updated systems would make it a quicker training process.

In the article, "Travel Agents Increase Use of GDS to Book Hotel Rooms," it talked about how the leading global provider of revenue is generating solutions for hotels, it shows how important GDS platforms are to travel agents. "84 percent of respondents indicated that they were using their GDS platform the same amount or more often than in the past, with 35 percent stating that they are using GDS more." Back in 2009, when the last study was conducted, about 26 percents of travel agents said that they used their GDS platform more often than in the past. This study also states that the annual GDS shopping displays will be over $50 million in 2011, which will increase more than a million bookings compared to 2010. There was another survey that was done and they surveyed different travel agents from across the world that were subscribed to a major GDS system. In the survey the travel agents indicated that promotional messages are effective and often prompt bookings. Out of the travel agents they surveyed, 66% said that they were aware of the "promotional messages requested addition information by looking at the screen attached to he promotional message." From this survey it showed that promotional messages are an excellent way to reach travel agents and from reaching the agent, they also reaching the customer, it's a win-win reaction.

I enjoyed the part about brand and promotional messaging, that is always a lure for me. When I see an attractive offer, evern If I'm not interested in booking or going to the destination, I often click on it anyway just to see the offer. It is a very effective marketing tool.

Green IT is an aspect of technology that many people do even consider when thinking about sustainability. According to Computer Aid International, "The production of a computer requires 22kg of toxic chemicals, 240kg of fossil fuels and 1,500 kg of water. 80% of life-cycle energy use is accounted for before we even switch a PC on for the first time." This statistic alone should be enough for us to take action. Marriott has started taking action, however. They created an underground data center where the power consumption goes down and efficiency goes up. Cloud computing is also a massive help due to the fact that the physical software wont be on the desktop computers or laptops being operated so the power consumption will be lowered there as well.

Green IT is an aspect of technology that many people do even consider when thinking about sustainability. According to Computer Aid International, "The production of a computer requires 22kg of toxic chemicals, 240kg of fossil fuels and 1,500 kg of water. 80% of life-cycle energy use is accounted for before we even switch a PC on for the first time." This statistic alone should be enough for us to take action. Marriott has started taking action, however. They created an underground data center where the power consumption goes down and efficiency goes up. Cloud computing is also a massive help due to the fact that the physical software wont be on the desktop computers or laptops being operated so the power consumption will be lowered there as well.

This article focuses on the importance of having green IT in business. It shows example of other hotels that have already adopted green IT. Not only this but it offers tips for businesses that are looking to adopt green it. It highlights the issue of recycling computers instead of reusing it . They recommend to use the appliance until it doesn't work.

The article explores the concept of "Green IT" to help reduce the amount of energy and e-waste and make it more sustainable. The five principles mentioned in the article are to: Rightsize, consolidate, virtualize, measure and manage e waste, all used to be able to operate a better IT system that works efficiently to reduce energy consumption. Also providing a visual representation of an IT infrastructure to break down how it works and providing ways to reduce power and purchase of each structure. Some ways mentioned where to create a new data centres, installing new printers and purchasing energy-efficient equipment to reduce consumption and also cost of energy. The idea is to become more aware of how to start change and be able to control and monitor the IT used to make it more sustainable and minimize "ecological impacts." Based on the article and the quick evolution of technology, i don't think we can stop the use of IT systems but there are ways to reduce and monitor the amount of IT systems. One point that was not mentioned was "cloud computing" which seems to be an effective strategy set in place to reduce the amount of IT systems used within business. Not only does it reduces the hardware costs but also saves energy from having several systems to locate information.

This article is introducted about wedding planning technology in today's hospitality industry. In 2011, the global wedding industry was valued at $320 billion, a large slice of which was money spent on hotels as a wedding venue. And many large hotel brands have wedding planners on hand to help couples organize their big day. Generally, it's natural for consumers to look for digital information. And hotels provide touchscreen technology. It would be served content of your own design from a PC or laptop in the hotel. What is more, it invites couples to explore the hotel as a wedding venue, and offers content that engages minds with the possibilities, such as wedding checklists, a space calculator and availability calendar. And installing a touchscreen system is not complicated. Content is controlled and published to the screen using digital signage software, which can be downloaded from reputable providers for free. In a word, this new wedding planning technology is good for both hotels and consumers.

The rise and rise of consumer technology and the increasing take-up of this technology by our guests combined with the shorter life cycles of this technology creates considerable challenges for both operators and owners of hotels. In the past we stayed in a guest room to experience technology that we could not get at home but now this changed completely and in most instances the reverse is true today where what we have at home is far superior to anything that is in hotel guestroom.

Advancements are growing enormously throughout every field of the working industry. Hotels have now adapted to using cloud computing in many hotels and it's really shaping how data and analysis are being kept and processed on day to day basis. Some pros of this idea are that companies save money because they only pay for the amount of cloud they use, they save money on training, and it's safe from any physical damage. I feel this is a very good investment for any company because what company doesn't like saving money in many areas? A weakness in the hotel industry is, companies don't know how to give, customers that are on a budget, the same amount of attention and personal service that they do for a high priced customers. The cloud can solve this and many other problems by knowing what the people like and giving it to them by not spending more money. Cloud computing can even kept customer happy when they are not even checked in the hotel, which is a plus on both ends. All in all, cloud computing expands any company, whether it be with other companies for networking or just helping inside of their own company by saving, it's definitely the way to go.

An unssuspecting person check into a hotel like any normal person would. The ever so common exchange, credit card for room key took place. The only difference was that the person that checked had done so with other intentions. The "guest" utilized an IP Telephone that was in this hotel room to hack into the hotel credit card database and steal credit cards, transmit them to a foreign country and then have money transferred to his offshore bank account. This happened but at the hands of Jason Ostrom, aa Vigilar senior security consultant. Ostrom was able to unplug teh telephone in his room, plug in the phone's ethernet canle into his laptop and hack away. Of course, he did this as part of his job in testing a company's security agaisnt viral hackers. His company offers free security testing using a downloadable software called VolP Hopper This article was extremely interesting because as a frequrnt traveler as well as a perosn in the hospitlaity industry I was very shocked at the ease that the credit card information could be stolen. When it comes to credit card security it is of the utmost importance for companies to be PCI compliant and spend whatever it is necessary to safeguard the information of their customers. The detrimental damage that a security breach can have on a person can be debilitating as leaders in the hospitality industry we must do everything possible to prevent attacks like this from happening. made me become extra cautious about using my credit cards.

Subsidizing a product to get a long-term use commitment from a consumer base is nothing new; it existed before high tech hardware was made affordable by software or service agreements. Think about the razors you buy, assuming of course that you're not a fully bearded male. The initial cost of the razor isn't all that expensive, but replacing the razors for a month costs upwards of twice the razor itself. And if you've shopped for a printer lately, you know the same strategy applies here. The printer itself isn't the greatest expense over the life of the asset; the ink, which is required and usually specific to the device itself, is where you will spend the most money. The most well known form of subsidization, or at least most glaring, comes from the coupling of cell phones and cell service providers. An iPhone, for example, costs a lot more than most people actually pay for it. The new iPhone 5, the basic version with 16GB will run you $649. Not to mention the cost of new adapters, chargers, cases, etc. However, if you commit to (or renew) a two-year service contract with AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint, the phone itself costs $199. How does this work? The same way the printers and printer ink work. The service providers (i.e. AT&T) subsidize the majority of the cost of the phone in order to lock customers into a contract that ends up costing much more in usage and data charges over the life of the contract. The idea is to make the cost of entry relatively cheap. Then, the cost the company loses at the initial purchase is recouped through purchases, or service charges, over the long term. Unscrupulous? Not really, although some would say so after receiving their phone bill. But that has more to do with not being aware of the stipulations of the contract you sign to get the cheaper phone at the outset. Although I personally find it annoying, I try to look at as something akin to amortizing the asset, and remember that, at least for me, a monthly fee

This article talked about the development of cloud based, online POS systems and the benefits of using online POS systems. Online POS systems store all data on remote servers in the cloud, which take all of the best functions of traditional POS systems and bring them into 21st century. Online POS systems have many benefits. In addition to security of data, they are usually compatible with any Internet-enabled device with a browser, including desktop and laptop computers, iPads and other tablet PCs, and even most smartphone models. What's more, online POS systems allow users to access data anytime, anywhere, putting them directly in touch with the day to day operations of their businesses 24/7. More than anything, cloud-based POS systems provide business owners with more freedom. The freedom to choose their own hardware, the freedom to sleep at night knowing their data is secure, and the freedom to access this data on the go from whatever device is handy.

This article talks about one successful third-party property manager company Prospera Hospitality and the accounting system it chose Profitvue which is provided by Aptech Computer Systems company. Prospear Hospitality has 18 branded and independent hotels and resorts as customers, each one of them has different requirements, so chose a powerful accounting system which can generate all kinds of financial reports is very important, and obviously Profitvue system is qualified. Besides providing detailed and flexible reports, another success secret of Aptech computer Systems is Side-by-side comparisons. With the information of comparison report, property owners will have a idea that how they are doing compares with other peers and can also identify issues which put them on disadvantage positions of the industry. Another benefit Profitvue provided is its cloud-based feature. Small business owner can also enjoy excellent service of Aptech computer systems company although they may can not afford on-site system installation, by accessing Profitvue's cloud-based platform. Yes, another strong example that cloud computing is a growing trend.

(First I would like to say I am not promoting this program in any way. Because this article talks about security that is the only reason I use this article.) Security is a word that is spoken about very often; it is on people minds everyday and maybe every second. Privatesky, online cloud base security software, claims to have the best security system on the market. The service is free, fast, one-click encryption for messages, files and information. The security software is activated by a click of a button from within Outlook, a web browser or via any browser-based application on a PC, MC tablet or Smartphone. HTTPS is a very secure system and Privatesky claims to be better.