However, most hotel chains and investors have little interest in anything more.
Highly intelligent security systems that give staff electronic instructions and
control all relevant building automation systems in an emergency, such as
turning off the air conditioning systems, opening fire doors, opening smoke
extraction vents for smoke-free stairwells, activating emergency lighting,
activating CCTV systems for locating the sources of danger, individual and
logged evacuation announcements, detailed information for rescue services on
action already taken etc., are rejected for cost reasons - even in VIP hotels
Contents contributed and discussions participated by Grant Beck
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shared by yessica henriquez on 21 Mar 13
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Hotel Security Demands More Investment In Latest Integrated Systems - 0 views
us.sourcesecurity.com/...co-1546-ga.4176.html
hospitality technology hotel security business solution

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Because security is not profitable, investors and hotel operators are reluctant to invest in safety and security
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Any reductions in policy premiums are based only on passive systems and do not reward commitment to active systems
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such systems can dramatically reduce the financial repercussions of a claim following a serious incident.
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Hotels may be concerned about the costs of higher-level security systems but criminal activity could cost a hotel its reputation and not to mention, a person his or her life.
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How to Choose Property Management Software - wikiHow - 0 views
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This article discusses the different aspects of choosing the best PMS for a companies specific needs. It offers several points to consider when selecting a PMS including what features to look for and hidden cost traps. The first and main point in selecting a PMS is to identify exactly what it is you need. This will help to eliminate unnecessary features that add to the cost allowing you to focus on more useful features or collect the savings. This is a very good tip it seems because PMSs have many different options, some of which that wouldn't benefit certain types of business. It would be wise to consider all the features included and their necessity for this reason allowing more efficient programs or savings. The next points discuss several traps that PMSs can include like hidden costs and technical support problems. Sometimes products may require costly upgrades that you are forced to buy in order for the system to run properly. This is definitely a factor to investigate when choosing a PMS as it could result in significant expenses to a company. Also if technical support is needed make sure the conditions are fair. This is also important because when the technology breaks down it will directly effect the cost and repair time. These are all excellent factors to consider when looking for a PMS because they all effect the main focus: money.
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10 E-Commerce Predictions For 2013 - Forbes - 0 views
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Companies that don’t test won’t get anywhere near providing the best online experiences for their audience.
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a completely seamless e-commerce experience no matter where they are—at their desktops, on their smartphones and tablets, or on social pages and sites—is a must-have.
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brands getting a handle on big data to deliver to customers more targeted offers across all channels in real time.
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brands using social data to personalize experiences on their websites, as well as applying testing and personalization to their own Facebook pages.
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are likely to use testing and personalization to create well-optimized and targeted sites based on user behaviors.
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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.
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FBI: Beware Of Malware Installed Via Hotel Networks - Forbes - 0 views
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fake software updates booby trapped with malware that are being pushed through hotel internet connections .
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This article brings to light security threats that are transfered via hotel networks. Fake software updates are used to hide malware which is installed on the computer when the update is accepted. The FBI offers tips on how to avoid being exposed to this after data on several hundred firms was stolen by hackers. The hackers broke into Marriott International Inc.'s records and had access confidential information. This article is important because firms have the responsibility of providing security for the clients as well as themselves. It is important to be aware of threats like this and of how it can be avoided so that the firm isn't put in a bad situation and have to deal with stolen information. With mobile devices and wireless networks becoming more common these types of threats need to be taken into consideration. Most users don't read the fine print or consider where software updates are coming from, especially if it looks like the source is a hotel they are staying at. This makes it even more critical that the hotel is aware of and blocking these threat because claiming that it was done without the knowledge of the hotel may not always be enough and looks badly for the security.
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Monscierge Launches New Hospitality Software Application Tool Monscierge | Connect - Pr... - 0 views
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Monscierge | Connect provides hotels with the tools to stay in touch with guests through their smartphones, allowing guests access to the full array of a hotel or brand’s services in a way that suits the needs of today’s tech-savvy consumer.
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wraps itself in the approved brand voice for each hotel, and makes that hotel and brand’s specific content available at their fingertips.
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Our joint research with these thousand hotels was conclusive – 73% of inquiries to the front desk, bell staff or concierge were related to hotel services and local information and recommendations.
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Hotels and guests want an easier way to stay connected with one another, and local information from trusted sources via technology.
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Freeing-up staff time, yet delivering the guest experience desired. Reception by guest-users and the hospitality industry has been overwhelmingly positive.”
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Trip-planning functionality is built into the app for travelers to plan their customized experience virtually anywhere they stay.
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This article is about a new application: Monscierge that launched in December for the iOS (apple) and Connect for the Android in January. The software allows all of the amenities of a hotel to be available to guests via smartphones. The app is completely customizable for each of a brand's specific hotels. This is an excellent idea for both hotels and guests with the recent rise in smartphone and tablet technology. Guests who may not be as comfortable requesting things in person or over the phone would now have the option to do so digitally. Research of 1,000+ hotels and resorts worldwide was conducted over 3 years and found that the majority of questions to the front desk, bellmen, etc. were related to: services, local information, and recommendations. This app seeks to improve that by making those inquiries easily searchable on a smartphone or tablet, also allowing guests to input their own comments. With this finding it should be expected this kind of technology would be very well accepted, which it was. In respect to benefits for the hotel the app is completely customizable down to specific hotels to suit their image needs. With the use of this application it would also allow staff to be more effective, negating redundant questions. By allowing guests the ability to send digital postcards bearing the hotels brand it gives the company more exposure. These benefits are significant for a company looking for new technologies to give them an edge The benefits of this application are numerous for both the customer and hotel. Hotels may also see benefits moving into future years with easier training due to familiarity with this type of technology and customers with easy-to-use technology. For hotels and consumers attempting to plan completely customized experiences, trip-planning functionality is built into the app providing many possible uses. This app to me seemed to be very logical in the current progression of technology. The majority of people today