Ransomware is a modality that takes digital devices hostage and prevents the user from accessing or generating information. Hackers then request the user to pay a ransom in order to recover access. Ransom money is requested in digital currency, usually Bitcoins. In 2016, an Austrian Hotel experienced ransomware for the first time. Devices were hacked and encrypted in a way that prevented hotel staff from programming room key cards and kept some guests out of their rooms. This risk could be mitigated by recognizing and acting fast at the signs of an attack. When the first devices have been compromised, staff can act by disabling other devices from being held hostage. Back ups can also save a company from being unable to access them in the event of an attack.

Aptech is a service provider for the Hospitality Industry. They launched a web based accounting solution that was first adopted by innkeepers because of their demand for sophisticated services. The development happened after they oversaw and understood the manual effort employed by these properties into bookkeeping.

The article describes the growing importance of a Property Management System. Some PMS companies are continuously integrating modules to their systems to make them more sophisticated for their users. These features can gather specific information about guests so the staff can cater to their preferences. Another element of the article explains how moving the PMS to the cloud can better serve small to mid sized premises, providing them with market insights and pricing trends to better manage the property. The cloud based PMS also proves to be beneficial to serve users who access property information through their mobile devices. Property apps could integrate with these PMS providing an interaction channel so guests can integrate with the property.

Growth in tourism activity in South-east Asia and acquisition activity represent benefits for Amadeus. Sebastian Gibergues from Amadeus IT group, communicates the resiliency and growth experienced by the company facing the challenges of an ever evolving industry. Gibergues considers GSD is still relevant due to the level of fragmentation in the market.

Due to the increase in water usage around the world, the hospitality industry will be force to integrate responsible water usage policies. As mentioned in the article, technology plays an important role in supporting hotels in their water sustainable water management initiatives by integrating devices and systems that respond to a property water usage patterns. By having systems generate usage reports, property manager could react timely to leaks and faults and act proactively by calculating lifespan depending on usage. Depending on property location, those predictable and recurrent drought conditions would not benefit of rainwater recycling and those that experience rain often could incorporate rainwater harvesting an integrate it with greywater recycling.