This article highlights the benefits of restaurant chains using HRIS software for better employee management. The restaurant business is one that is fast paced and can be complex at times. According to the article, HRIS can bring greater consistency to the workplace and empower employees. This system has proven to help with many other large restaurant chains. It simplifies scheduling for managers and employees by allowing them to make edits on the software or request days off or vacations. It also helps control labor costs by identifying the labor needs and pairing it with the employees' availability. It empowers employees because it gives them the access to view schedules and reduce errors or miscommunications. The HRIS keeps everything organized and accessible for compliance purposes. In my opinion, this would be a great addition to the restaurant industry. An industry that is constantly moving must have something in place to keep it organized in regards to files and employee management. The HRIS provides an efficient and effective way in doing so.

This article provides information about a sustainable renovation that has revamped the Sheraton Suites. The HVAC technology that was constructed in the guest rooms has restored a fan coil unit refurbishment project. AirRevive, according to the article, is the leader in sustainable HVAC refurbishment and re-commissioning services. A 1989 IEC guest room fan coil was restored for the guest room renovation project. It is supposed to add about 1 decade to the lifespan of the units. Doing this renovation adds to guest satisfaction and comfort. These are the some of the most important factors in the hospitality industry. The indoor air quality is no loner compromised and will no longer leave guests susceptible to harmful allergens. The President of AirRevive states that this renovation is a cost efficient way to tune up. It saves energy and reduces operating expenses. There is an attractive ROI associated with the effective and efficient completion of the project.

The lodging industry is one of the most popular in the hospitality industry. Bed and Breakfasts provide an alternative to hotels and motels by providing a literal home away from home experience. Unfortunately, the advertising and marketing of a bed a breakfast, according to this article, needs to upgrade. Email marketing would be a great addition to this sector of the industry to promote deals, updated breakfast menus, and etc. Giving customers an email blast every now and then can help. This can also increase customer loyalty. According to the article, it is a great way to keep customers engaged and up to date. The article promotes StreamSend, which is an email marketing software that helps with marketing by including vibrant imagery, videos, surveys, and other interactive elements (StreamSend). This is also said to be affordable and dependable, making it ideal for any industry including a bed and breakfast. I think this is a great start, specifically for those in the bed and breakfast sector of hospitality. The bed and breakfast brings airbnb and a hotel together with different amenities and not just another place to stay for the night. So it makes sense for the innkeepers to jump into email marketing to promote their business in different ways and to have more access to guests in regards to promotions.

This article is strongly opinion based by an event manager's perspective on the "new" technology that is being presented for event management. Though the opinion seems negative at times, the author mentions that many of the mobile and web based technologies are helpful in simplifying the event management process. She mentions technologies like Eventasaurus. "which gives the event manager one single tool from which to run all event related event listings across multiple platforms". Nevertheless, the author still believes that the technology being used for event management can be improved. The mobile apps are better for event management because there is not a separate technology that the event manager has to use. The mobile app must work well with the purpose of the event. In all, the author states that event management is a time-consuming hands on profession, however, technology can help a few aspects of the process. In my opinion, I believe that all technology needs to be tested. When it comes to event management technology, it needs to be fast and efficient. It must be able to make the planning process easier. It must also make the collecting of information effective. The author talks about the mobile apps as being better and innovative for the event manager, which is the overall purpose of technology.

This article explores the issues with cyber security in the hotel industry. it is to be taken seriously because customer information is on the line and so is the company's reputation and revenue. Hotels must look into their POS systems because, according to the article, is a weak security point. However, it holds much of the consumer's information like credit card numbers, expiration dates, and etc. The POS system is vulnerable so the secuiry put in place to protect it must be updated. Personal details for hotel guests are stored in many different places in a hotel's many systems. This includes the restaurant, gift shops, billing, facilities, and etc. According to the article, hotels needs a "toolbelt" of various security technologies to prevent malicious attacks. The three mentioned in the article are File Integrity Monitoring, Unified Threat Management, and Security Information and Event Management. Please look into the article to read what each of these systems can do in regards to cyber secuity for the hospitality industry. A good way to implement these tools is to look into outsourcing a managing security firm that specializes in cyber security. This can help minimize and even diminish things that can cause breaches in systems. In my opinion, this article gives solutions to hotels in regards to cyber security. Sometimes installing a firewall or antivirus is simply not enough. A security firm that specializes in this area can be considered. It may be expensive depending on the business to do that, however, it will be even more expensive to have a tarnished reputation for not securing customer information and to deal with lawusuits.

This article focuses on the technology innovation regarding electricity in hotels. The article states that the total energy consumption costs for hotels will continue to rise. Luckily, there is an energy saving technology that is worth investing in. Cogeneration, which the article states is known as "combined heat and power (CHP), helps minimize the heat and power from a single fuel source". It takes natural gas and converts it to electricity. This helps the hotel use heat for areas of their operation. This technology supplies 95% of the electricity needed for a standard hotel. Besides helping the hotel's electricity, heat, and power system be more efficient, the CHP helps with financial costs. According to the article, investing in a CHP will bring a payback in about 3 years and this time expected to decrease. This means hotels will receive a return on their investment in a shorter period of time. In my opinion, this is great technology to invest in. It not only helps with financial savings but it is also better for the environment. The business will benefit from it because it helps with operations. Also, consumers will be more likely to want to stay in a hotel with an energy efficient system. It goes hand in hand with the Go Green initiative that has proved to be successful and consumer driven. In all, investing in technology is a risky business. For this specific energy saving technology, I believe it is worth investing in. The cogeneration would be ideal for "hotels with 100 or more rooms, high electric rates, hot water heating system, and high use needs".

This article gives small businesses insight about the importance of having an efficient accounting software. Many restaurants may do poorly not because of bad food but because of bad account management. Constant transactions may be overwhelming so having a system in place can help alleviate issues that can transpire. This article persuades future restaurant owners to invest in an online accounting software that can be used anywhere and anytime on smart devices or laptops. It also stresses that it must be accurate with information, easy to use, smart (as in to see the business operating in real time, and flexible. It also stresses the importance of having a POS system that works well with the accounting systems. The article states that "it helps update cash flow and predictions daily". There will be records of everything that is bought, returned, wasted, and etc. I believe this is important because it can make or break a restaurant or rather any business. Whether it is for revenue or payroll, accounting systems help with identifying inconsistencies and helps management in determining if the business is healthy, numbers wise. There can not be good management if there is not good measurement. With accounting, everything that goes in and out of the restaurant is accounted for. This in turn helps a business make adjustments to effectively grow and manage a business.

Please see Summary on first post.

The POS is a great system that is used by many industries. It helps businesses run efficiently and transactions be done effectively. However, it comes with its problems. This article is in two parts so I will post the both on Diigo. This article states that POS systems are the most frequently used computing system and it is targeted by criminals. According to the article, "Today, attackers have only become more sophisticated, using advanced software techniques to avoid detection by antivirus. The attackers are attaching devices that are to collect information from the patrons who use the POS system. The solution to this issue from the article, is that managers apply the same security practices to the POS systems that are used for other sensitive IT systems. These systems should not be the same system used for internet browsing or email. Using a third party security is system is fine however, they should ensure that security controls are part of regular maintenance. The article states that businesses should look for POS systems that have design improvements rather than those who have been in the industry for a long time. There needs to be upgraded design, security, and software to minimize the threats that are posed on the POS system. This article highlights the issues that POS systems attract and also gives solutions. It is up to the businesses to give as much attention as possible to this system the same way they do for systems with sensitive information. Ultimately credit card transactions do hold sensitive information so the upgraded POS systems should be the number one choice for a business. Along with what is stated in the articles, this minimizes the risk of customer loss and a damaged reputation. This also helps minimize the possibility of revenue loss due to lawsuits because of breaches.

A PMS system's purpose is more than just doing the mundane tasks of booking and data mining. It's main purpose is to optimize customer experience with efficiency and accurate data. For employees this allows for quicker and more productive work. In this article, the author points out the major keys that have helped top-performing hotels and resorts, which includes PMS systems. According to the article, "GEM is a long-term, multi-pronged initiative that encompasses virtually all aspects of a property and having the right technology infrastructure is critical". PMS upgrades are one the the top largest investments that hotels and resorts are pouring into. PMSs are providing customers and employees with efficient ways to complete routine tasks such as check-in/out, managing reservations, guest information look up and etc. Hotels that upgrade their PMSs are taking advantage and using this to boost their customer experience. PMSs are capable of capturing guests' preference information and housekeeping assignments and much more. The article also talks about CRM (customer relationship management) and how it is an "essential component of a hotel's guest-centric technology infrastucture". With the PMS data, CRM can help marketing and sales in regards to their target market. In my opinion, this is a fantastic approach that the industry is investing in. PMSs have been helping the industry for a long time and constant upgrades can only boost business efficiency and increase customer satisfaction. Customers want an easier way to check in and out. They want to see their preference of room temperature or favorite snacks in the fridge. This can be done by using a great PMS. For managers and employees, the PMS systems makes it easy to capture these details and allows them to understand trends and take actions based on the information collected.

The role of GDSs in the travel industry has a major impact on revenue, competition, and reservations. In this article, Sabre, one of the largest known GDSs was sued by US Airways for failing to provide a fair contract to the airline. The lawyers from US Airways claimed that Sabre threatened to "cut off the airlines from a network of thousands of travel agents worldwide who depend on inventory that the tech giant provides via desktop software". The jury concluded that Sabre indeed violated antitrust law. Sabre, apparently, charged US Airways increased fees though their cost per transaction decreased because of the advances in technology. According to the article, Sabre argued that the fees were justified relative to the cost that an airline would incur to distribute its fares by other methods. This helped the agents have access to a plethora of information regarding price comparison. In my opinion, this is just a messy situation. However, it goes to show how important and how much of an impact that GDSs have on airline companies. They determine what consumers or agents readily see on the site. They determine how much of a presence a company has. The GDSs provide company information to a worldwide network that markets to consumers. Having a GDS system hold back or increase fees has proved to be detrimental. Ethical issues have come into play. The fact cannot be ignored that the technology being used by Sabre is helping lower cost for transactions. This decrease in cost should have resulted in a decrease in fees for the airlines. Nevertheless, the key to this article is that GDSs have the power (though Sabre did illegally) to determine which avenue a company goes through in regards to apparent competition and markets. The advancement of GDSs is resulting in lower cost transactions and giving agents and consumers "more bang for their buck". So it is important that the relationship between GDSs and airline companies remain ethical in all ways, especially dealing with

Information Technology is not only revamping the hospitality industry, it is also making its mark in the healthcare industry. According to the article, Information technology is increasingly penetrating the healthcare industry resulting in better service and on-demand access to patient information. In my opinion, it has always seemed as if healthcare offices had outdated technology, however, these past few years I have seen a boost in their systems' quality and services. Nevertheless, I believe they can do more. In the article, modern technology is allowing the ease of accessing information at the point of care and key features that enables the office and business system to run more efficiently. Their drive is fueling their desire to run on better systems. They see the benefits of EMR (Electronic Medical Record) and use this to distribute information at the point of care. It will no longer be a waiting game for the patient or the medical staff member. It begins to set the standards of how healthcare and provision should be done in regards to efficient technology.

"Cisco Systems Inc., is the biggest maker of equipment that runs the internet". This article highlights the disappointing revenue that Cisco Systems is facing currently. However, the CEO is pushing to have Cisco's networking services to be more cloud based than hardware based. Because their company is known for its hardware, they are taking a hit revenue wise in their transition to a cloud based system. Companies are buying less hardware and are relying on other alternatives to keep their business running efficiently. I believe that Cisco is identifying with the current trends that are apparent in the IT world. As stated in our discussions, a cloud-based software eliminates the use of bulky hardware, eliminates costs, and allows companies to scale up or down depending on their size. So Cisco can use this information to help develop their cloud system. The businesses see value in switching systems and Cisco is in the business of providing them with what they need. Cisco is being recasted as a networking system so it is taking time for companies to switch their view on Cisco. I believe that Cisco should not deter from this transition and be able to reinvent themselves as a cloud based network. Though their revenue is taking a hit, they should continue for now until they are able to establish themselves.

Brendan Ciecko is the founder of the Cuseum software. This software was created because Ciecko identified a problem with the technology that museums have or lack thereof. "I was working with a number of museums and was constantly hearing of the frustrations when it came to providing a certain level of experience to visitors on site" (Ciecko). The technology or procedures used in the museum were generally outdated. Now with this new software, guests can download the app on their phone and are able to navigate through different tools and options that the particular museum has for them. The guests will be able to select tours through exhibits that are available at the museum once they walk in. The article also mentions the new product that Ciecko has invented, digital membership, which makes the membership process for the museum more convenient. This makes the process of any application type service in the museum digital. It not only makes all of these processes faster but it also saves paper. In my opinion, I think this a great app. I currently work at a museum and I believe that creating an app that enhances customer experience right when they walk in is worth investing in. It provides guests with highlighted tours and exhibits that are available. Though people at the museum can simply tell the guests where to go and give information about the exhibit, they can easily find it on the app to locate what they are mostly interested in. The app also works as a great marketing tool for museums. It allows visitors to share their favorite items or exhibits on their social media sites and allows them to participate on interactive discussion boards. I think this will help promote specific exhibits, especially if there are tags on the post like #AviationExhbitit or #GizmoCity. Those "tags" are exhibits that I have in my current workplace. With adding a guest's location to the app, it prompts the guests to sign up for a membership. The guest will no longer have to go