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This article talks about the important role that the internet plays when it comes to communication within the tourism and travel industry. The internet is the main means by which many tourism business communicate. Travel agencies are able to communicate with hotel and book reservations and offer feedback to their clients. Travel agencies use computer technologies to stay connected to hotels, airlines and other tourism industries which makes it easy to streamline reservations. Mobile communications help to keep customers up to date when they are on the road. Tourism business are using mobile communication more to send text message especially for flight delay or flight change.

This article discusses how technology such as the internet, Reservation systems, computer systems and mobile communication are being used in hospitality & tourism. Internet is the first system the article discusses and how important it is for a business. It is a tool many consumers use in order to make a decision so it is important to have the business website user friendly and attractive. The next technology is reservation systems and how it facilitates and reduces the cost of a business by reducing call volume. Here it talks about reservations on traveling sites like Expedia but I also thought about reservations for a dinner at a restaurant that is a technology that is being used as well. Computer systems are an important way of communicating between branches and locations. This is very important with how many businesses are being more global. Last technology this article talks about is Mobile communication and how they use it to send notices or even to advertise like when a user is on an app.

The article highlights some of the major ways technology is used in the hospitality industry and how this technology has become standard. Researching on third party booking sites, booking, receiving travel updates, digital boarding passes, and loyalty apps are some of the most common technology uses we find in the industry. What is most interesting in the advent of new camera based technology to be used in facial recognition of repeat customers. I think this poises some serious concerns with privacy violations and it would be interesting to see how customers would react to firms using this technology.

This article is about how far we are getting with technology in the restaurant business. It shows some examples of places that have acquired some of these innovative technologies.

In this article, TOPHOTELNEWS highlights three ways technology is reducing incidences of theft, assault, and data breaches in the hotel industry. Mobile keys allow guests and hotel staff to monitor who enters a room and when, limiting the chances of theft. Security cameras now offer low-light vision and facial recognition, and their decrease in size allows for discrete placement. Cybercrime initiatives are also working harder than ever to secure delicate information by developing advanced firewalls. Each of these advancements allows travelers to feel more secure in their "home away from home."

This article discusses three ways that hotel security is being enhanced by technology. One way is by mobile keys. Customers no longer have to use physical keys. They can simply use their mobile phone to open room doors. They don't have to worry about their keys going into the wrong hands. The second way is cameras. Modern cameras are smaller and are more easily hidden and can more accurately take pictures of the faces of persons who enter and exit hotels. The third way is to enhance the cybersecurity of the hotels' computer systems.

This article discusses the ways a hotel can implement security measures to keep guest information and company's data safe.

Cloud computing is the delivery of services through the internet with the use of a cloud based remote database. Cloud computing helps businesses with cost savings, productivity, speed, efficiency, performance, and security. There are different types of clouds which include public clouds, private clouds, and hybrid clouds. In addition, there are also three services in cloud computing which are; software-as-a-service which provides the user with a pay as you go model, infrastructure-as-a-service, which provides the user with services via IP addresses, and platform-as-a-service which is a platform delivered via the internet. There are both pros and cons when it comes to cloud computing. Some pros include the ability to use the software from any device, cost savings, and storage utility. On the other hand, some cons include security concerns, internal bugs, and power outages.

I also read this article just for a better understanding of the cloud and to really dive deep into the good and the bad, because as we know you can't have the good without the bad. I didn't realize the many different types of cloud computing so that was interesting to read.

Hello Alejandra, This is another great article that you have posted, thank you! Although I have been doing a lot of reading this week on Cloud Computing, I was truly enlightened by some of the information in this post; for example, Cloud Computing offers both public and private services, coupled with a Hybrid option that allows more flexibility and helps optimize the user's infrastructure and security. Further, creating and testing apps, and audio and video streaming were highlighted in this article, unlike others that I have read. Moreover, it broke down the functions of the components of the system (SaaS), infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), and platform-as-a-service (PaaS). Equally, some disadvantages stood out to me, like if the encryption key is lost, the data disappears. The geographical reach of cloud computing cuts both ways: A blackout in California could paralyze users in New York, and a firm in Texas could lose its data if something causes its Maine-based provider to crash. Additionally, with many individuals accessing and manipulating information through a single portal, inadvertent mistakes can transfer across an entire system. In closing, I have noticed that overall the benefits of Cloud Computing can tremendously assist companies in many ways, but some of the disadvantages can have a catastrophic impact on businesses and their operations. Shineal

This article highlights several important security issues in the hospitality industry, followed by the practice of protecting data from loss. The data structure of the hotel industry is complex, customers mainly use bank cards to pay, and the staff turnover rate is high. There are certain internal threats. In order to solve these problems and avoid data loss, it is not enough to strengthen network security. It is also important that employees are trained and familiar with and comply with relevant regulations.

Hospitality offers an ideal target vector for conducting Cyber crimes such as identity theft and credit card fraud due to the existence of multiple databases and devices containing both Payment Card Information (PCI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Restaurants, hotels, and other companies in the hospitality sector often have complex ownership structures with an individual owner or group of owners, and a management company that acts as the operator. Each of these groups may use different computer systems to store information, and the information can also frequently move across those systems.

In this article, we learn about the top five data security risks as well as best practices to help prevent data breaches. According to the article, the hospitality industry is a prime target since it stores a vast amount of sensitive guest information like names, phone numbers, addresses, and credit card numbers. Some of the five risks included complex ownership structures, reliance on paying by card, and insider threats to name a few. In order to avoid these threats, the article suggest that companies become PCI compliant, use cybersecurity measures like firewalls, and know where exactly their data is stored.

Alex Canter, CEO of Nextbite and Ordermark explains the difference between virtual restaurants and ghost kitchens. Both exist online, with no physical storefront. A report by Statista predicted online food delivery revenue will reach over $324 billion in 2022. Virtual Restaurants - only exist online, work with existing restaurants and kitchens. Helps increase productivity of their kitchen and labor, increase revenue and margins. Ghost Kitchens - Physical kitchens designed off-premise (pick-up and delivery only). Some have 30 or more individual commercial kitchens for rent and one area for delivery drivers to pick up. These kitchens house many brands and new local restaurants for a rent fee. Virtual restaurants require great marketing strategies, such as digital marketing, SEO, social media, professional photography and menu design. Some of the strategies suggested for success are utilising and being part of apps, focusing on the reviews, setting up a website.

This article dives into the ways that technological innovation is disrupting the hotel industry. Hoteliers are struggling to keep up with guest needs and demands. Technological innovations, while a necessity, can never replace human touch. This rapid change represents a challenge and opportunity for the industry to overcome.

This article explains the technological advances in the hospitality industry and how this has been attributed to being a crutch for the industry and/or a burden. With the utilization of technological software such as kiosks, automated checks in's, and mobile ordering, the hospitality industry has had a disruption in the product that they are offering. The article also undergoes the understanding of taking the implementation of technology and the human interaction and combining them to work cohesively in the hospitality industry. Understanding that it is a balance that both must intertwine in order to find success in hospitality.

In this article, all the incredible sides of innovative technology within the hospitality and tourism industry are highlighted and discussed. Along with the discussion of what some of the newest technology is, it touches on how it positively and negatively affects the industry. For example, the article talks about how the average person is so much more willing to go about self-service check-ins and hotels and airports, as well as ordering from a kiosk at a restaurant. From this, while it can be super convenient for the customer, it can also cause extreme damage to the business. Because so much of the industry has transformed to just being at the will of your fingertips, it leaves customers forgetting that not everything comes with instant gratification. "Long queues to check in at the hotel become unacceptable; unresponsive or slow room service lead to negative hotel comments on TripAdvisor; and some expect 24 hours' housekeeping even in a budget hotel", a quote from the article reads. The article also talks about how while there can be many negatives, there are equally as many rewarding positives. For example, "Due to the large numbers of internet users, including mobile, online review platforms, attract lots of traffic which, in turn, means plenty of business potential for the online travel agencies (OTAs) in particular". One of the main points in the article talks about how even though many hospitality jobs are being taken over by computers and AI, the one thing a robot will never be able to grasp and give is human interaction. "A machine can cook dishes exactly to order, but it cannot experience how the guest feels; a robot might be able to deliver a pot of hot water to a hotel room, but it is unable to tell whether the guest is feeling unwell; an advanced voice control system could make it easier to order room service, but it cannot tell whether the guest enjoys the meal". In conclusion, while there are indeed many disruptive changes that have bee

In this article it begins to explain property management systems PMS going mobile in the hotel industry and how beneficial it is for hotel corporations and for customers. The author explained that the most in-demand PMS function for hotels is the ability to have a real time data of room availability, access to guest information such as comments and special request, room/ work order status, and up-to-date pricing. For customers facing mobile apps they would enjoy the guest self-service of booking, self check-in/out, service request, and messaging to staff. However even though mobile devices makes such functionality seem easier mobile-enabling a PMS is not easy at all in fact, making functions available via a browser would be a huge transition for a business.

More and more are properties interested in having a PMS device that they can be accessed at anytime and anywhere. The answer to this challenge is to have PMS functions accessible via mobile devices which can be challenging for some of the systems, especially those that do not reside in cloud. For some smaller properties, the goal is to have no front desk at all and some have been quite successful in making this a reality. As stated in the Property Management Goes Mobile article, the ski resort Tremblant Elysium has been successful with using the cloud-based FrontDesk Anywhere. The guests receive a letter a week prior to check in containing a door code and 30 minutes after their arrival concierge comes to their room to complete their check in and sign the registration card. The CEO of Tremblant Elysium stated: "Guests love it because it is simple and easy and we do not have staff waiting around for people to check in." As stated in the article, guest require for Mobile PMS to include access to room availability and full front desk access including guest profiles and preferences, room/work order status, up-to-date pricing and housekeeping access for rooms statutes. Mobile-enabling PMS can be quite challenging to design, as it can bring difficulties with screen size, performance or choosing which device to use as the code must be re-written for each one. Another major concern for this type of PMS is the synchronization with other system with which PMS is integrated. As hotelier consider implementing mobile-enabling PMS device for their property, there are concerns about security as far as data storage or mobile check-in or the issuing of keys for guests. In my opinion mobile-enabling PMS is the future for smaller properties. Why would a hotel need to have a stand-alone front desk when we can use mobile phones to do the work for us as we are on the go? Eventually, we can have our staff cross trained in smaller properties all equipped with phones, all available to ch

This article discusses the wish-list for hoteliers when they are considering cloud-based systems.Tthe most in-demand mobile PMS functions include GM access to KPIs, CRM and room availability, and front desk staff access to guest information such as comments and special requests, room/work order status and consolidated messaging among staff. It would seem that with all of these personal apps that are appearing on the market, that mobilizing a PMS would be easy, but that is not the case. The code is not universal; i.e. code must be re-written for each one, although there are tools like service-oriented architecture and html5 to help. There will naturally be concerns when considering adopting a mobile PMS across properties. Before investing in a roll-out of new technology, decision-makers must ask the right questions dealing with security, data storage, and functionality.

EMarketing is the ability to market your products or services with Internet capabilities. In other words, it includes emailing, websites, follow-up, and every other marketing approach. Through computer/Internet capabilities, small business owners that embrace eMarketing will save themselves hours of time. With eMarketing, business owners can automate nearly all of their business management functions. That means that eMarketing capabilities are taking care of the day-to-day tasks small business owners and their employees would normally be engaged in. eMarekting also has some other benefits. E-marketing eliminates the printing and postage costs of direct mail and is substantially less expensive than other traditional forms of advertising. Customers opt in to receive your news via email. E-marketing is affordable, so you can advertise more often.

EMarketing is the ability to market your products or services with Internet capabilities. In other words, it includes emailing, websites, follow-up, and every other marketing approach. Through computer/Internet capabilities, small business owners that embrace eMarketing will save themselves hours of time. With eMarketing, business owners can automate nearly all of their business management functions. That means that eMarketing capabilities are taking care of the day-to-day tasks small business owners and their employees would normally be engaged in. eMarekting also has some other benefits. E-marketing eliminates the printing and postage costs of direct mail and is substantially less expensive than other traditional forms of advertising. Customers opt in to receive your news via email. E-marketing is affordable, so you can advertise more often.

The term "meetings technology" is broader than ever. This article listed some of meetings technology. . Mobile Apps There are two categories of mobile apps are particularly relevant to meetings. The first is "Meetings management apps". These often are free and provide planners the ability to tap into web-based meeting platforms from their mobile devices while on-site or in transit. The other one is "Meeting apps for attendees". Think of these as "electronic event programs plus." These event-specific apps may be downloaded by attendees, nearly always for free, and can include all of the speaker, scheduling, seminar, keynote and attendee information, along with exhibit floor maps, that might be found in a printed program. . Social Media for Events Social-media platforms now represent a common way to quickly interact with large numbers of people, meaning these are natural places for beginning a dialogue before a meeting or continuing to communicate afterward .Virtual/Hybrid Events The age of the hybrid event, in which some kind of virtual component is added to a physical event to engage off-site attendees.

This article is a research paper did by Amir and Beer-Sheva. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact of technology on the human resources function in organizations, in general, and in hospitality firms, in particular. At the beginning, it introduced the role of human resources department in organizations for decades. And the trend or changes in contemporary human resources. Then it came out that we cannot skipped the effect of technology on the HR function, especially in tourism and hospitality industry. So, next it gave the definitions of HRIS by introducing technology. And list some advantages and challenges of using HRIS. In the end, it listed how technology put infusion across HR function, including recruitment, selection, training, performance evaluation and compensation, payroll, benefits and pension administration, labor relations and outplacement.

Email marketing, is quite old school but efficient way to provide more information to customers.  This kind of email marketing is about "Trigger-based" email, it would send to customers when customers had some specific demand and click at the link, then it would email some more rewarding information back to the customers' email address. From my opinion, this is really good and time saving, not so high-end but quite effective. But the problem is whether the information is complete or correct for customers. I would like to have the email that something I am interested in because it is easy to organize and check about it. Especially when you are not so interested at it first but then you want to figure what it is like but need to google it. 

This article is about the mobile network technology (including software and hardware) now playing a significant role in the hospitality industry. Hotels use more mobile technology for their marketing and reservation will come out obviously advantage among the competitors. For example, the Google Maps is growing very fast, and its software on the mobile has become the most popular travelling tool for the users in recent months. People use this software as they ask for dinner recommendations, view maps and turn-by-turn directions. What is more, travelers they can use other software in their mobile to watch proprietary videos highlighting hotel amenities and area attractions. As the mobile network technology is growing so fast today, the hotels should make some revolution for their marketing or booking and reservation system. First of all, the hotel should ensure they have a website for the mobile device which can be smooth and functioned well. Addition, for the marketing department, hotels can offer some discount for the travelers who use the mobile software for booking in advance. Because of the locating function in the mobile, hotels can collect those data in their data house which will be useful to customer data analyzing. What is more, the mobile technology is continuously changing, the hotels should follow the trend, and pay attention for the technology renew which will help to attract more customers.

Author Michael Kasavana's article discusses the advancement and prevalence of mobile technology applications with regard to the hospitality industry.  According to him, "the common goals of mobile technology implementation are acceleration of guest traffic, heightened interactivity, promotion and sales of goods and services, and gathering of feedback relative to the guest's experience". Mobile and proximity marketing techniques are gaining in popularity and in some cases (Buffalo Wild Wings) are a large factor in the company's success. Their mobile marketing campaign was deemed a huge success due to large numbers of repeat customers, improved attendance at special events, and higher sales revenue. Mobile marketing has proven extremely influential in attracting new customers and creating brand loyalty. This marketing method can really make the difference in one company having a competitive advantage over another. Kasavana also advises restaurant and hotel owners to follow some best management practices guidelines. These include: "creation of a mobile-optimized website with simple navigation tools; apply user-friendly, intuitive, and logical lead-through processes; sponsor video (YouTube), social (Facebook), and mobile (LBS) content; employ opt-in marketing campaigns that encourage customer engagement; provide instant rewards, discounts, and incentives to qualified clientele". Mobile technology applications are definitely the wave of the future in the hospitality industry and "getting in on the ground floor" is an excellent opportunity for business growth.

Here Forbe magazine offers some tips on how to do proximity/mobile marketing right and some of the advantages. Companies need another marketing avenue to reach customers in this diverse field where competition is so intense. Technological advances will help one stand out in this large crowd.

This article give us an idear about use technology to promote marketing. In 21st century the mobile device is indispensable for everybody, for company, we have to keep forefront on technology.

"A New Meeting Frequency" discusses near-field communication (NFC) and its gaining popularity with the meeting and event planning industry. This form of communication enables smart devices to have communication between each other; one acts as the writer, the other as the reader. According to meeting tech consultant Corbin Ball, "NFC marks the next step toward a cashless and paperless society".  Barclaycard and Chase, just to name a few, have adopted ISIS Mobile Wallet which lets customers make payments and collect rewards. "Industry professionals are beginning to see adoption in interactive events and business-to-customer trade shows", and are present in some current NFC applications. Contactless payment, automated ticketing, social networking, exchange of information (maps, business cards), registration, attendance access and control are some of the major ways this technology is utilized presently in the industry. Usage is slowly on the rise, particularly with regard to corporate networking events, and potential is huge.  NFC technology is extremely innovative, saves money and can be a great marketing tool.

This article discusses the difference of internet speeds in hotel rooms. Many hotels that offer free wifi have some of the slowest internet speeds available. Usually the internet bandwith is about 1 to 2 mbps per room. Since the connection speed is so slow the free wifi is basically useless to the guest. Some hotels are offering guests a tiered wifi plan at an additional price that has more bandwith and faster speed. So then the advertised free wifi isn't really free anymore. The article lists the different internet speeds from various hotels found by speedtest.net

This article talks about some of the differences about web 2.0 and web 3.0. This article mainly points out the positive outcomes of web 3.0 and some of its origins. I chose this article especially because of the diagram which I found to be very interesting.

To prevent the potentially harmful effects by the disaster, the chief engineer Sam Lota of Sheraton Sacramento Rancho Cordova Hotel set up a detailed engineering contingency plan. The plan can protect physical plant systems, computer systems, gas system, etc., and can also back up the electric's battery power and phone system. Instead of reacting to crises as they occur, Lota set up some action plans in advance. He asked staff to review the emergency procedures and make sure the emergency generator can be used smoothly. However, the emergency plan does not specifically deal with the computer system interruption caused by earthquake. Some experts advised that the data should be backed up in an offsite location.

This brief article is taken from Forbes and in it Paul Dunay offers 10 Predictions (or expectations in some cases) for the year in e-commerce. It has been seen that e-commerce has grown year to year, specifically on Cyber Monday which shows people are spending more online. The predictions range from consumer expectations to the use of personal data collected by companies. In my opinion the predictions are very straight forward and almost assumed in today's technological world in regards to customer expectations. The prediction of companies using data they have collected to help improve their e-commerce experience is very intriguing however, and suprising that this is not common practice already. It will be very interesting to see if & how these predicitions develop, especially with social media and the use of personal data. Overall it's an interesting article and provokes some good thought on e-commerce.