This article talks about a conference that took place in Las Vegas concerning how hospitality organizations should automate accounting processes. Representatives from BlackLine Systems, a financial software developer, alongside panelists from MGM Resorts Intl and Caesers Entertainment will be discussing how hospitality organizations should utilize technology to automate accounting processes. Technology and software can reduce the often frustrating feelings associated with spreadsheet accounting. Additionally these tools will help organizations run more efficiently especially for hotels that operate on a global level. These automated systems can increase productivity and reduce costs with the ultimate goal of achieving balance sheet integrity.

This article is about a Miami hot dog and sandwich restaurant that is using iPad ordering kiosks with a POS software system built in. In an effort to reduce costs while not reducing customer experiences. Customers can order directly from their tables where the iPad is located. They can view high resolution pictures of menu items, make cooking specifications, as well as pay directly from the iPad terminal.

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 discusses Marriott's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment) Certified hotel which is opening up in Scottsdale Arizona. In an effort to reduce energy and utility costs this new property boasts a variety of features such as Energy Star certified appliances, water- efficient toilets, and specialize lighting controls and sensors that reduce the consumption of electrical lighting in the presence of natural sun light. In addition changes made to the roofing, such as the installation of light colored panels that reflect heat and the use of recycled building materials will help keep costs down and use less energy. Marriott's effort to take measures in being more environmentally conscious should serve as an example to other hotel chains and properties to be socially responsible as well.

This article talks about the Emirate of Dubai and how its Department of Tourism is making great strides toward expanding standards that support the idea of green tourism and environmental responsibility. Dubai is sponsoring a program called "Together for a Green Environment" to help educate hospitality industry professionals about the importance of sustainable tourism. Through a series of workshops and seminars people were able to better understand the challenges facing them and come up with solutions to address these problems. A large concern was simply a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding sustainable and green efforts, an issue which is being addressed through the program. The initiatives have proven successful and CO2 emission has decreases by almost 20%. The article proves how areas around the world like Dubai are increasingly consciences of the importance of "going green."

This article is about an Australian Hotel company, Metro Hotel, that recently adopted Sabre Hospitality Solutions Central Reservation System which has caused an almost 70% increase in bookings. Using Sabre's technology has done a number of major things such as enable their rooms and rates to be easily distributed through all four major GDSs and as well as many online travel agents. Additionally the time Metro Hotel takes to reload rates has decreased from a week to one day. The more advanced and improved Sabre system also allows for a greater volume of information and images to be displayed for each property, targeting a wider audience. Overall the article is a testament to how technology in the hospitality industry like CRS and GDS can greatly impact the business.

This article mentions how Cloud VoIP services could help reduces the costs of utilizing older phone system technologies as well as offer new opportunities for guests to communicate with various departments of the hotel. As cell phones are now basically ubiquitous, the use of in-room telephones in hotels has decreased significantly, making them dead weight. VoIP systems would lower the overhead costs as well as offer guests customized options for contacting valet, food services, or concierge desk. Ultimately the adoption of VoIP phone services would save the hotel significant resources as well as possible increase revenue.

This article is about how a French company called ASCOT aided local hotelier Christophe Mendjel in utilizing cloud computing services, thereby making his hotels run more efficiently. The first benefit the switch to cloud services provided was that Mendjel's hotels were able to function together as one instead of separate organizations. Secondly it enabled Mendjel to handle larger numbers of guests and more quickly process their information. Lastly the flexibility of using the cloud allowed him to effortlessly embrace unanticipated changes in hotel administration and guest documentation, without being overwhelmed by large amounts of data. Overall the article proves how the incorporation of cloud computing can benefit a hospitality enterprise.

This article discuss how both new software and hardware is being utilized in the hospitality industry to expedite the process of guests checking in and out of hotels. The article is about NORTHWIND, a company well known for having developed "Maestro" a property management software suite that enables hotels, resorts, and multi-property organizations to manage their facilities. Specifically the article mentions how NORTHWIND is introducing "Xpress Check-In" an tablet specific software that will increase the speed and ease with which guests are able to enter and exit the hotel. This goes to show how the company is keeping abreast with the recent and growing trend of portable tablet/touch screen hardware devices. This software and hardware combination enables desk agents to operate away from their desk allowing for more intimate and personalized service with guests. I think the most unique and amazing feature of this system is that it will allow hotel agents to check in and process large groups such as conference attendees quickly and efficiently. The "Maestro Xpress Check-In" system can not only check guests in, but also encode their room key card, as well as process credit card transactions and capture their signature. All of these things can be completed even before conference attendees disembark from the bus and enter the hotel. I believe that hotels who choose to invest and employ technologies like this will distinguish themselves from other establishments because their service will be much better and smoother, both for guests and the hotel. These unique services will also be key in driving revenue and increasing productivity. NORTHWIND is well recognized in the hospitality industry for providing real-time technology solutions that help users control and manage their business effectively.