Article discusses vendor Northwind's Maestro product which aids Property's reach strategic goals by providing interactive business sessions on improving revenue streams; guest services. ResWave2, Web PRO (Pre-Reg Online), and Big Picture Data are among features included in updated product which allow increase via productivity and profitability. Maestro product includes all-in-one product which allows event management implementation through PMS, but also complements all other facets across platforms including web-based.

Article provides discussion on beneficial reference to the idea of moving expenditures from Operating Expenses (OpEx) vs Capital Expenses (CapEx) when determining cloud vs static installations/deployments to gain economic benefit. Article discusses some of the misconceptions that cloud (IaaS, SaaS or PaaS) have a cost advantage vs static. Additionally, discussed are foundations of general accepted accounting principles (GAPP) in the explanation of OpEx and CapEx. Also expanded on the concept of "cloud requires no upfront investment" vs time value of money (TVM) model. TMV is the a concept used in accounting used in the comparison of two or more financial outcomes. Article applies this concept to values across current cloud service vendor offerings (2009). The author also provides a calculation to evaluate an Instance level cloud deployment can reach same cost as static in three-years.

Exemplifies trend towards cloud-based Point-of-Sale / Point-of-Sevice systems (ePOS) and the software management being used in fine-dining restaurant beverage programs across global/ partners. Partnership players include: Fine-dining establishments such as Thomas Keller Group (PerSe, The French Laundry, Bouchon); 5-star Hoteliers like  Rosewood Hotels & Resorts; Also includes covergence by providers as Mozza Group (Clebrity Chef leads are Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianic). Facets include maximizing customer experiences and revenue through operational efficiency.

Briefing discusses issues faced in convergence and trend toward migration to cloud based PMS / RMS. It also discusses the effect convergence will have on the way information is gathered (data acquisition and mining) and aspects of RMS such as  and average daily rate (ADR) and occupancy.

Vendor offering regarding integration of Electronic Point of Sale System (EpoS) installation allowing supplier reach efficiency through optimization of PMS function through an electronic format. Includes "Cloud" methodologies and technologies such as SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.

White paper research discussing customer care management and social media strategies, opportunites, weaknesses, and challanges with concepts of PCI compliance applied based on internal cloud security

Reference customers vs Advocate customer extends on topic posed when organizations consider customer reference program (CRP), and/or customer relationship management (CRM) including those evaluating social media efficiency by way of reference customers. While CRP is classically found used in b2b channel trend is to utilize same concept across market channels. Post includes discussion based on semantic difference/benefit between the two and the concept benefit of customers as brand champions, influencers, and evangelists.

Restaurateur's evaluation of machines purchased in move to automate noodle making process in business units owned. Owner reports that machines are working proficiently and cost of ownership provides good ROI vs human wages. Also mentioned were projected cost advantages achieved through greater economies of scale vs variable cost that would be incurred utilizing human-based alternative.

Foodservice automation technology: Robot Serves Up 360 Hamburgers Per Hour | http://bit.ly/18p0HoW SushiBot Serves Up An Order Of 3,600 Per Hour | http://bit.ly/14gEmg3 Foodservice automation technology issues: Fast food strikes NYC | http://nbcnews.to/175TET1

Technology group joins green initiative and climate-related advocacy projects to that benefit the the environment, but also contribute to the economy. Tech Networks of Boston a provider of tech services to non-profit and small business has recently joined / aided / launched programs : Climate Action Liaison Coalition (CALC), and  The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC). CALC provides business community with support services that sponsor business's speaking out about climate change, but also supporting policy improvements. The ASBC project is a co-sponsored initiative which seeks to promote signing of a Climate Declaration that covers topics such as employment, environmental impacts, and sustainability. Tech Networks of Boston http://bit.ly/17vfaBq American Sustainable Business Council http://bit.ly/14Tu9of Climate Action Liaison Coalition | CALC http://bit.ly/1a1nRnm

Vendors gathering to discuss must-have POS hardware and software system components. Story also reveals info on current configurations that are in some of the largest. Vendors in attendance include Restaurant sectors included QSR, convenience, and fine-dining. Current trends were homogeneous usage of hardware/software across same-vendor base.Operating systems used by vendors were varied but included variants of Windows, Linux, and a single-purpose-prom version. Consensus of vendors listed the following as "must-have" characteristics and efficiency of new POS placements would be evaluated on: 1) POS functionality, 2) Data Connectivity, 3) SDK availability, 4) Alternative Payment Capability under failure, 5) Ease of Use , and 6) Hardware Cost. Additional consensus from vendors was that new POS systems preference was based on efficiency of functionality, support, and overall compatibility regardless of operating system it was built on. These systems follow a more "OS Agnostic," or not care what system they are running on thereby limiting bias based on OS used. Lastly, support for unattended POS devices and cellphone access were of importance to vendors in attendance.