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Angelica Saez

Accounting for Hotels | Small Business - Chron.com - 0 views

  • The amount of money a hotel makes from its rooms depends on the average daily rate and the occupancy. Not only does a hotel's occupancy vary by time of year, but the daily rate also fluctuates.
  • Primary features of this software include recording all financial transactions, accounts payable for vendors and specialized forecasting. The hospitality accounting software is also designed to share information between franchises and their partners.
  • The Securities and Exchange Commission and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regulations require that hotels — both independent and franchise — establish set processes to record revenue and expenses.
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  • Aside from the basic revenue and expenses, staff must take into consideration the varying room rates, late charges, vendor contracts and charges made to a room.
  • Different-size companies typically require different specs from the software, with larger companies typically requiring more complex features due to the broader nature of their business. QuickBooks and FreshBooks are popular options for smaller companies because of their intuitive interfaces and relative ease of use. For larger companies that may need more elaborate features, NetSuite and Sage Intaact are attractive options because of their capabilities.
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    Hospitality Accounting Software is the primary function of the hotels daily functions. This department helps to predict the revenue and expenses of the hotel while maintaining company standards. Many developments over the years has allows many features to be added in software that specialize in accounting. Features such as financial transactions, accounts payable for vendors and labor tracking. With the due and growing stress of accounting daily challenges many properties have now upgraded their systems where many departments can help take the workload off the accounting department.
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    This article explains the accounting process in the hotels. The article goes in great detail of how the training goes for the employee in charge of the accounting of the hotel and the different softwares and technology they use to help them. With these different types of softwares it helps them record the accounting of the hotel.
sharlabrunsvold

Is Google Making Sabre and Global Distribution Systems Obsolete? - 2 views

  • Finnair wanted to move “…to our desired state of pricing and distribution freedom in direct channels and content differentiation in indirect channels.” Effectively, the airline saw more value in flyers purchasing fares directly from them, or through indirect channels including online travel agencies and Google Flights.
  • While Sabre handles a number of tickets every year, it also comes with hidden costs that are ultimately passed down to flyers. In 2011, American Airlines accused its former child company of exorbitantly raising fees for using the global distribution system to publish fares.
  • While Sabre was doing battle with airlines over fees, a smaller player in the travel space with a big name would begin building their pathway to dominance. In 2010, Google quietly purchased a flight information software company called ITA Travel.
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  • Google Flights, along with other global distribution systems, provided a new direction for airlines. Instead of being dependent on a legacy technology service, they could market fares directly to travelers, and keep more of the fare through direct booking with the airline.
  • As a result, the tables turned against Sabre – allowing airlines to be bolder in their relationship with the global distribution system.
  • As technology makes data accessibility easier for both companies and consumers, more decisions could be made outside of global distribution systems and through consumer-focused technology.
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    This article discusses how Google Flights has become a threat to global distribution systems, such as Sabre. Google Flights allows airlines to market directly to travelers and keep more of the fare. Sabre, on the other hand, has been charging airlines fees for their services. This contrast has changed how airlines utilize global distribution systems, and Google Flights could ultimately replace GDS's like Sabre.
Karyn

How AI is Transforming the Event Planning Space One Conversation at a Time - 0 views

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    This article discusses the use of AI technology in the event planning sector, concluding that AI can be used as chatbots interfaces, data collection tools, and recommendation engines for event planners, to make the event planning process much faster and easier.
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    Used properly, AI technology can lead to enhanced experiences for guests and a more streamlined and efficient process for event planners, and extremely useful feedback data. AI technology is increasingly being utilized by many businesses and investments in smart technology is increasing across industries. The article states that by 2020, about 80% of business plans will include the use of chatbots and the event planning industry will do the same.
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    Here is why and how: --AI technology is easy to implement at a low cost --They are easy to "plug" in and incorporate and suitable for any size events --A chatbot is a great solution for engaging with guests easily at lower cost and complexity, although it seems the idea of creating a dedicated app for a smaller event may not seem necessary --Consider that a chatbot build for marketing purposes will cost small and medium sized enterprises about $3000-$5000 --However they can then be implemented for any event format within a particular business niche, so consider the investment may be worth it --Especially since they can be quickly trained to engage guests and answer frequently asked questions or to direct guests to the correct solution or person, 24 hours a day, so the need for support staff 24 hours a day is eliminated, or it allows a better experience if, for any reason, a guest needs help during non-business hours, and can even escalate guest situations at any time to management. --It can provide insightful information for guests, such as matching a guest with the best sessions for them, based on their interests, contacts, or any other useful information, taking away the need for the guest to analyze and plan their day based on an overwhelming complicated schedule --Eliminates the need for the guest to carry around a large schedule and try to plan their day accordingly --Not only can the AI technology automate recommendations for the guests, it can also automate recommendations for planners, taking away the need for planners to manually sift through a variety of sources, send outreach emails, etc.
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    On that note it makes it easier to match planners with appropriate vendors as well. Both of these are considered the AI matchmaking function. The chatbot can also unite fellow guests with similar interests or experiences and give them a place to virtually meet each other, and Facebook has launched chatbot extensions. A company called PubNub allows a business to build its own chatbots from scratch.
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    Instead of having to download yet another app, chatbots allow users to connect through apps they've already downloaded (like facebook messenger), or other popular apps. And of course all of this data and interaction is collected and can be analyzed by event planners to streamline and enhance business, increase revenue, and increase guest satisfaction based on recommendations from the AI technology.
cmick006

Industry Pros Predict What Event Catering Will Look Like in the Future Post-Coronavirus | BizBash - 0 views

  • mostly convert to small-plate, chef-attended stations.
  • or ready-made plates will be up for grabs along with individually wrapped silverware.
  • in general, is too popular with too many to totally disappear.
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  • industry to rise to the challenge to reinvent how we present and serve our menu items.
  • Wolfgang Puck Catering introduced its “vertical buffet.”
  • “Bento boxes would offer a fully curated meal for each guest that is appetizing for both the eyes and stomach. ...
  • passing hors d'oeuvres on large boards such as surfboards and pizza peels “so you don't come face-to-face with someone.”
  • more food trucks will be pulling up to events. “This protects both the kitchen, the staff, and the guests from cross-contamination.”
  • smaller groups in larger venues to accommodate that six-foot radius.
  • all types of events will require more spacing.
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    Food buffets will change, the amount of spacing required will change & social distancing will be in play; this will definitely play out in the events planning industry, as well.
kelseybarton

Technology Innovation (and Other Trends) in the Hotel Events Space Shaping 2020 | - 0 views

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    (1 of 3) This Hotel Technology News article discusses the various technology advancements in Hotel Event Planning and what their effects were predicted to be for 2020. As the article states, "With each passing year, events seem to get bigger and better, boasting exciting new technology, catering to attendees' needs in finer detail, and bringing guests together in unique venue spaces for a variety of occasions." The event industry continues to grow as people continue to desire more unique, memorable experiences. Event planners struggle with advancing their experiences, but with the help of technology they are able to continue to grow each year. This process starts with the booking experience and Venue Management Technology has gained popularity in creating seamless booking experiences. "Whether marketing to a transient guest, event attendees, or a corporate group, hoteliers and event planners are in the business of meeting and exceeding expectations." With venue management technology, event planners are able to make memorable experiences starting with the booking of the venue all the way until days after the event. Venue management platforms provide everything to the event planners at their fingertips.
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    (2 of 3) The article continues on to discuss that while large events are extremely lucrative, venues must make sure to consider smaller events as well. "Ensure your venue space is equipped for events and meetings of various scale, and work closely with planners to ensure an attentive, personalized experience while bringing their event or meeting to life." Meetings are going to continue to grow so venues must continue to adjust and be equipped for anything a consumer might desire. This may include non-traditional events or venue spaces as well. While classic hotel convention spaces may not be as popular anymore, hotels are challenged to utilize and market their space differently to attract new consumers. With the event industry, as with any segment in hospitality, the ultimate purpose is to leave lasting impressions on guests. In recent years, the use of technology has been great in assisting this idea. Venues who have mastered creating a memorable experience have often done so by "using new-age features and platforms to create a frictionless event, engage attendees on a deeper level, and create meaningful, memorable experiences." Venue management tools are also used in making these experiences for guests. The article left readers with three takeaways. The first being that venues need to utilize technology to make them more effective in areas such as RFP response and the way that they offer their services. The second takeaway is that businesses need to evaluate their current technology partners and make sure to choose a partner that will allow them to best create memorable events. The final key takeaway is that venues must increase conversions and improve venue listings with things such as real-time availability and strategic pricing.
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    (3 of 3) This article was very interesting in its description of the technology used in the event industry and predictions for the future of events. It is quite apparent that this article was written at the beginning of 2020, though. I do believe the event industry was headed in this direction, but, as with the rest of the hospitality industry, I believe events will see a massive decrease over the next few years and then pick back up in the future. Due to the risks associated with Covid-19, consumers are not finding in-person meetings or events necessary. Many organizations have resorted to digital meetings and cancelled any events, causing a huge loss for the industry. I believe that as the rest of the industry recovers, events will slowly follow and eventually make their way back to their pre-pandemic predictions.
nbakir

The New Hotel Stay: Welcome Back - 0 views

  • For hotel executives seeking to survive (and thrive) in a post-COVID-19 world, there are practical solutions—both short-term and long-term—that can add joy back into the hotel guest experience.
  • They require the designer to really understand how users will move into and out of these spaces and interact with them.
  • Immediate fixes, such as six-foot spaced tape on the floor and acrylic panels at check-in, are both inelegant and temporary.
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  • designers must become leaders in finding creative, hygiene-driven solutions with attractive, budget-conscious, non-porous, non-transmitting and sustainable materials for future crises
  • the guest could experience a physical cleansing with UV-C light (400–470 nanometers (nm), an antimicrobial against numerous bacteria) as well as a metaphoric one, an abstracted feeling of rebirth and joy due to the use of art, music, lighting, and planting.
  • The UV-C light fixtures that can be programmed to activate when a guestroom, elevator, cab or corridor is unoccupied may soon become standard design practice
  • As hotel operators navigate the new normal, expect to see innovations in hotel welcome packages. Especially with limited staff, hotels will need to rely on visual cues that indicate and reassure cleanliness.
  • A brightly-colored seal on the room’s exterior door or towels wrapped in clear wrap to show items have been cleaned and hygienically packaged
  • next phase of guestroom should integrate separately-zoned HVAC supply and return HVAC systems, which have the ability to immediately evacuate air from infected rooms. To make the guestroom bathrooms ideal for privacy and infection control, restroom exhaust systems should be inspected and made to filter out air continuously.
  • Guestrooms worldwide are shrinking because space is expensive, which presents a challenge to designers looking to optimize already small spaces in line with social distancing guidelines.
  • Technological improvements to touchless entry doors, smart HVAC systems, and room lighting will occur, as information will now be imparted to the guest via phone or touchless television system. Smart spaces are not a new trend. In fact, a MarketsandMarkets™ report reveals the global smart home market size is expected to grow from $78.3 billion in 2020 to $135.3 billion by 2025. As more and more consumers rely on smart devices and sensors like Alexa and Google Nest, hotel businesses will need to adapt the same contactless technology solutions to their guestrooms and common spaces.
  • Elevated experiences to increase joy might include innovations in higher-end materiality, comfort, spa-quality guest baths, interactive workout systems, in-room workout equipment, and elaborate mood lighting systems. In the manner of the guest experience, the hotel needs to remain a peaceful, calm, and safe alternative to the more urgent, chaotic world outside.
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    This article addresses how hotel design must change to be successful in a COVID/Post-COVID world. The emphasis the last few years has been on meeting spaces and smaller square footage in guest rooms, but with social distancing those wonderful new high-tech meeting spaces are empty. More guests are having to use their hotel rooms as a place to sleep, socialize, be entertained, and even work out. First impressions are crucial in all aspects of life including hotels meaning adding things like UV-C- lights can help to make guests feel safe and rejuvenated. Also we must redefine the guest "room" experience, such using Smart technology and intelligent room design.
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    Staicoff (director of Oculus Inc.) stated that the covid-19 epidemic emerged as altering the settings of multiple organizations from healthcare facilities to the corporate ambiance. The designers created various changes in hotel infrastructure to meet the criteria of social distancing in the pandemic. Recently, the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) business elevated to provide technical and innovative solutions to control the spreading of infections with physical distancing. Also, the emerging AEC technologies encourage check-ins and elevators of the hotels to be compatible with smart solutions. The intervention of "Zone of Calm" and UV-C light impresses the guest to ensure that the hotel is reliable, safe, and caring. UV-C light is an antimicrobial technology with a unique fixation of light, music, and art to influence the people. The describe that multi-use facilities (housekeeping, room service, laundry, remote control, menus) have been eliminated for safety features. Visual indication facilitates cleanliness in diverse settings. The coordination of hotels with hygienic corporations enhances responding protocols to prevent infection. The structure of guestrooms are preferred from the perspectives of reducing OA (outside air) and EA (exhaust air), but the approaches are costlier practices to meet the demands of the pandemic. The intervention of "separately-zoned HVAC supply and return HVAC systems" acts as a filtration tool to remove EA from infected rooms and control the spreading. Usually, guestrooms are created for multi-functional management, but the guidelines of the pandemic representing constructive and financial challenges. According to a report presented by Markets and Markets, the implementation of smart devices in the markets would double by 2025 worldwide. At a minimum, the materialistic quality is designed considering long-term goals with comfortable and mood elevated facilities.
ryanrodgers2014

E-marketing in the hospitality industry - Digital Doughnut - 1 views

  • The online marketing is doubtless one of nowadays most powerful advertising methods. All companies, and notably in the Tourism and Hospitality industry, are fiercely competing to lead and overwhelm the online space in order to shift market shares from competition, increase their online traffic and make more profits. In addition, International hotel chains are considerably reducing their offline marketing budgets year on year for the benefit of the online ones.
  • Social Media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,… possess the advantage that they can spread any information or update posted rapidly to a very wide audience. Furthermore, sharable videos (i.e. choosing an engaging storyline and telling it with compelling visuals) constitute an amazing tool that keeps users’ attention and subtly persuade them along the way words can’t.
  • Content optimization for Search Engine: While the website’s content should match the guests’ search criteria, many hoteliers fail in making their websites a dumping ground for content to end up with websites that generate very poor value to guests and very low business opportunities.
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  • However, as emails and/or e-newsletters might be unsolicited, senders should either offer recipients an opt-out option or get their prior consent (opt-in). In fact, experience shows that permission-based email marketing is one of the most cost-effective and efficient marketing tools available.  
  • This makes search engines one of the most effective tools in driving targeted traffic to a hotel’s or destination’s website. In the hospitality sector, hoteliers have two options with regard to SEM: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) or sponsored search:
  • Interface design:Adjustment of the web content for screen sizeso that users can comfortably access content in an intuitive way on a smaller screen and benefit from all functionalities on a mobile device (hotel search, access to reviews, bookings, payments, etc.).
  • A successful e-marketing strategy should comprise a set of specific e-actions that help hoteliers reach their planned objectives. These e-actions can be grouped into the following five main sections (A to E):
  • E-marketing is also known as Internet marketing, web marketing, online marketing or digital marketing. It is growing at a dramatic pace in the hospitality industry and is significantly impacting the business behaviors since it drives more revenue than traditional marketing.  
    • ryanrodgers2014
       
      The hospitality industry is constantly evolving. A recent report by Adobe Digital Insights showed that 61% of leisure arrangements are made online. These statistics go on to show that in order for your hotel business to thrive, you need to put emphasis on digital marketing.
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    This article is meant to show the different types or e-marketing for the hospitality industry. It also goes on to explain how they can be used in the industry. I also enjoyed the most popular ways to use these tools. With technology moving at a fast pace, e-marketing is the next best way to market and to attract customers.
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    This article talks about how the E-marketing has grown drastically in the hospitality industry. It says how the E-marketing is having a huge impact in the business behavior because it is bringing way more revenue to the business. One of the e-action that help hoteliers reach their planned objectives is search engine marketing. Most pf the people that goes on the internet uses search engine to find information about hotels online. Mobile advertising is growing very fast since the connectivity speeds have improved and screen resolutions have advanced. Email advertising is also a great powerful e-marketing tool that companies use to put their business out there. This just help creates direct revenue for all type of guest. If a company want to succeed In e-marketing, they have to make sure that their online space is well managed and that everything is under control.
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    E-marketing is also known as Internet marketing, web marketing, online marketing or digital marketing. It is growing at a dramatic pace in the hospitality industry and is significantly impacting the business behaviors since it drives more revenue than traditional marketing.
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    E - Marketing will eventually take over any other type of marketing in the future. As we all know its a big trend and businesses need to keep up.
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    This article explains the importance of emarketing. It is explained in detail the important factors and uses of emarketing. There are many forms emarketing can take, and having knowledge of each form is helpful for many in the hospitality industry and other industries that can benefit from emarketing.
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    "A successful e-marketing strategy should comprise a set of specific e-actions that help hoteliers reach their planned objectives. These e-actions can be grouped into the following five main sections"
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    This article not only recognizes the important role of e-marketing in the hospitality industry but also explains the different categories that allow hoteliers to reach their goals. Each of these categories has its own particular way to promote the firm and each of them is equally important to fully reach the potential of the e-marketing. We are witnessing a new marketing era and the hospitality business can benefit from it immensely.
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    The article titled " E-Marketing in the hospitality industry" emphasizes that the Internet Marketing is growing in the Hotel industry and it it has contributed in generating more revenue than other traditional marketing strategies. There are several actions Hotel owners can take to achieve their marketing objectives, this includes Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Sponsored search, Social Media marketing, Mobile advertising, Email advertising, and Display advertising. According to the author this actions will allow companies to compete and gain market share, increasing their online traffic and ensuring that their online space is under control and properly managed. Moreover, I believe as it is mentioned in the article that the fact that most hotels had implemented Web 2.0 services had allowed them to transform their websites content becoming a social platform where customers share their photos and content. This together with Mobile and Social media marketing are powerful tools in Hotel marketing.
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    Throughout this article Mohamed Derouiche, discussed how there are six main sections/ "e-actions" to a successful e-marketing strategy. 1. Search Engine Marketing (SEM): "SEO attempt to improve a website's organic (i.e. non-sponsored) search rankings in Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) by increasing the content's relevance to search terms." 2. Sponsored search: "Sponsored search corresponds to search ads that allow a hotel /chain to be included in the sponsored results of a search for selected keywords." I am sure everyone has noticed a sponsored or an ad link once you search something on Google. 3. Social Media Marketing: "Social Media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,… possess the advantage that they can spread any information or update posted rapidly to a very wide audience. " 4. Mobile Advertising with this you can- "Study of people's behavior: This aims at the examination of "when", "where" and "why" people use Smartphones and tablets to better understand their booking trend, needs and expectations." 5. Email Advertising: "Email advertising, also known as email marketing, is considered as a powerful e-marketing tool for hoteliers since it creates direct revenue opportunities for past, present and future guests." I'd consider this one of the most effective ways to advertise because everyone has an email that they check often and with an email online a text message you can include a lot more information and pictures on popular destinations. 6. Display advertising: "Display advertising conveys its advertising message visually using text, logos, animations, videos, photographs or other graphics." This is another popular method in my opinion because people like to see things not just read about it. Nothing makes you want to go on a trip more than seeing a picture of a beautiful beach while you are in the cold weather or rainy season.
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    This article describes the various ways in which the hospitality industry uses e-marketing. This article begins by offering other terms used to refer to e-marketing. The hospitality industry is significantly adopting the use of e-marketing, which is influencing business behavior and earning more revenue than the traditional marketing. The article states that a successful e-marketing strategy should comprise a set of specific electronic actions that have the potential to help the industry reach its planned objectives. The article describes these actions into five sections that include search engine marketing (SEM), social media marketing, mobile marketing, email marketing, and display advertising. Search engine marketing is being used in the industry because a large number of internet users use search engines to find information about tourist destinations making search engines as an effective tool for driving traffic to a hotel's website. Social media marketing involves the use of social media websites helps in spreading information to a large audience and interacting with them online. Mobile advertising is also part of e-marketing, and has been significantly adopted by the industry as the use of mobile devices is high in the industry and most people use them to access online content. The industry highly uses email marketing as it helps in creating direct revenue opportunities for the past, present, and potential clients. Display marketing is used in the industry to send adverting message to target clients using text, videos, animations, and logos.
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    E-marketing is a tool used by nearly all businesses nowadays. It is through this form of marketing that we are able to spread our word across the globe. When E-marketing, it is important to invest in search engines so that your products, in our case our restaurants and resorts, appear first. Our marketing can appear in the form of ads and pop ups, but also in emails. A big one is using social media platforms such as twitter, youtube and instagram.
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    Interestingly this article is back from 2014 and back then there was a different perspective on the capabilities of e-marketing as it was rather new to the world of hospitality. Comparing this article to the present just shows how much the experience has brought us and how much e-marketing truly benefits and expands our industry. Through e-marketing we can reach customers we never thought or even imagined of reaching out to.
kmill139

How the hotel industry has changed over the past 20 years | Hotel Management - 1 views

  • Over the past 20 years, many facets of the hotel industry have shifted to adapt to new technology and changing consumer behavior, which have in turn changed how hoteliers conduct business.
  • “The availability of internet marketing has led to increased competition and has created pressure on room rates
  • Marketing and distribution costs are the most significant changes the industry has seen over the past couple decades, Corcoran said.
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  • However, he said that because of their marketing dollars, OTAs had a huge impact that would affect consumer behavior—a belief that guests could get the best and cheapest price if they booked via third parties, helping to fuel OTAs’ market share and bringing the issue top of mind for hoteliers’ wallets.
  • Today’s consumer, thanks to online travel agencies and technology in general, are more sophisticated and educated than they were 20 years ago. That sophistication has touched many areas of the industry.
  • Enhanced consumer awareness has also led to niches within the industry, such as boutique hotels, extended-stay product and a focus on all guest types that has seen an emergence of new amenities, Rogers said.
  • “These demands have led to the prevalence of services such as high speed Wi-Fi, complimentary hot breakfast, expanded in-room technology and entertainment options, and fitness centers.”
  • Rogers said that some older hotels can’t keep up with the shift due to many select-service properties becoming higher end and providing all the amenities guests want.
  • He said select service will continue to be the industry’s preferred model moving forward because it contributes to higher profit margins and return on investment.
  • “As the technology and internet became more and more part of our society, it became more complicated to operate the hotels so there is a need for third-party operators and good franchisees,” Rogers said. “It impacted the smaller operators but delivered what the consumer was expecting.”
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dlevine4195

Normal 2.0: how a tech-first response is shaping the travel & hospitality sector | Hotel Business - 2 views

  • launch of the iPhone in 2007. While that’s not a hospitality-specific development, it changed everything about the way people want to travel.
  • billions of people could make restaurant reservations from their pockets. They could leave their room and have an interactive map through a new city, with the ability to keep in touch with their family and coordinate with friends.
  • it’s incredibly advantageous for hoteliers and travel professionals to keep abreast of the technological advancements that will set higher standards for the new hospitality normal.
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  • , virtual ID verifications can be built into booking platforms, integrated apps can grant access to digital room keys and enhanced biometric technologies have the power to supplement (or eventually replace) the traditionally awful pre-flight screening process.
  • many travel and hospitality professionals are investing in VR-based marketing to spike interest in their offerings.
  • VR tours are being offered all around the world to spike interest in sights and tourist destinations, making people want to see the sights for themselves
  • VR marketing will soon emerge as the smartest strategy for connecting with consumers; high-budget commercial spend and other digital marketing tactics will be rendered obsolete when any prospective traveler could put on a headset and instantly be transported to the shore of a beach.
  • hoteliers and vacation destination economies invested in virtual reality offerings to extend their experiences beyond the travel restrictions, offering travelers a temporary at-home substitute.
  • It will diminish both consumer wait times and consumer-staff interactions, allowing professionals to reserve their time and focus for more complex guest and traveler needs.
  • investments into biotech need to be paired with cybersecurity and infrastructure that protects a guest’s identit
  • Today, guests and travelers understand quality in terms of fast response times, consistency across channels, and intuitive, self-directed use.
  • eople show a preference to manage smaller tasks on their own; a study by Zebra Global Hospitality showed 70% of guests preferred a smartphone check-in for efficiency and speed.
  • Airline safety once meant extensive processes at TSA, but consumers and professionals are quickly coming to trust the powers of biotechnology, changing the way we think about screening.
  • looking for that service in different ways—on their phones, at their fingertips, and behind the scenes.
teresastas

Skullcandy Promises to Slash 1 Million Pounds of E-Waste - 0 views

  • EPA says recycling, reusing or donating electronics prevents pollution and carbon emissions because fewer materials for items such as plastics or batteries do not have to be produced again. The energy saved from recycling 1 million laptops, for example, is equivalent to powering 3,500 homes in the US for a year, according to the agency.
    • teresastas
       
      This comparison is really eye opening for me. I know. Sometimes we get lost in all the numbers but when you look at it this way it's crazy to think about.
  • Skullcandy also says it will eliminate the use of plastics entirely by 2023 and shift to using only FSC certified paper products.
    • teresastas
       
      I think it is very important that companies that contribute to the e waste problem also help to fix the problem like Skullcandy is working towards doing. The idea of eliminating the use of plastics entirely on top of their e-waste pledge is making the right moves.
  • company has a partnership with environmental intelligence platform EcoChain, which helps the company analyze the carbon footprint of its manufacturing. One impact of that program is the development of a smaller battery.
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  • recycling by letting customers send any type or brand of headphones to the company to be properly recycled, giving them discounts for doing so.
  • Skullcandy Promises to Slash 1 Million Pounds of E-Waste
    • teresastas
       
      Headphone and Speaker company Skullcandy is making moves towards helping the fight against e-waste (short of closing it's doors of course). It recently pledged this month that it would eliminate one million pounds of e-waste by 2025 its new upcycling program. This program includes a few factors including a no plastic packing plan, an upcycling endeavor, and discounts to customers for responsible recycling of any headphone brands.
khiyara_00

Three ways technology is improving hotel security | TOPHOTELNEWS - 3 views

  • Mobile keys are making an entrance, and this means added security for guests. In some instances, the technology can alert guests and hotel management when someone has entered the room or tried to get in.
  • Many properties are expanding the number and locations of cameras, upgrading hardware, and using better software to run and monitor the cameras. Some of the more advanced systems offer low-light vision, facial recognition, and movement and color recognition analysis software.
  • To combat cybercrime, hotels are taking steps to incorporate more advanced firewalls, limiting who has access to data, and securing mobile devices of employees.
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  • Mobile keys are making an entrance, and this means added security for guests. In some instances, the technology can alert guests and hotel management when someone has entered the room or tried to get in.
  • Mobile keys are making an entrance, and this means added security for guests. In some instances, the technology can alert guests and hotel management when someone has entered the room or tried to get in.
  • 2. Hotel security monitoring systems get an upgrade
  • ware to run and monitor the cameras. Some of the more advanced systems offer low-light vision, facial recognition, and movement and color recognition analysis software.
  • 3. Hotel security and cybercrime
  • New technology, such as mobile key cards, advanced monitoring systems, and cybercrime initiatives are working to protect property and personal information, so travelers can always feel more secure.
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    In this article, TOPHOTELNEWS highlights three ways technology is reducing incidences of theft, assault, and data breaches in the hotel industry. Mobile keys allow guests and hotel staff to monitor who enters a room and when, limiting the chances of theft. Security cameras now offer low-light vision and facial recognition, and their decrease in size allows for discrete placement. Cybercrime initiatives are also working harder than ever to secure delicate information by developing advanced firewalls. Each of these advancements allows travelers to feel more secure in their "home away from home."
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    This is a great article as the hotel that i work for as many of these same features including the mobile keys, and high definition security cameras and a great team at the back of it. Although it is all good to have those features having the right team makes a huge difference. I have many examples with while being at the hotel probably having a difficult interaction with a guess the security team call me to make sure that i am ok. This made me feel safe to the highest extent that they are watching and alert.
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    This article discusses three ways that hotel security is being enhanced by technology. One way is by mobile keys. Customers no longer have to use physical keys. They can simply use their mobile phone to open room doors. They don't have to worry about their keys going into the wrong hands. The second way is cameras. Modern cameras are smaller and are more easily hidden and can more accurately take pictures of the faces of persons who enter and exit hotels. The third way is to enhance the cybersecurity of the hotels' computer systems.
  •  
    This article discusses the ways a hotel can implement security measures to keep guest information and company's data safe.
nixalexa

OPEX or CAPEX for your IT Investment? | TOUGHBOOK Blog - 0 views

  • The “as-a-service” approach also has other benefits when it comes to flexibility. It’s much easier for a business to scale up and down as required. For example, adding new devices and services on a monthly basis or removing them. This flexibility ensures the business only pays for what it needs at the time, rather than having additional tech that is no longer required gathering dust in the warehouse.
    • nixalexa
       
      This approach is more beneficial for smaller companies, as many times they do not have the money to invest in these capital expenditures all upfront. This article explained the relation between Capital Expenditures vs Operational Expenditures as it relates to technology. This article explained how more companies have been taking the operational approach versus the capital approach because technology does not last forever. Almost every 3-5 years companies have to change their technology to stay up-to-date and efficient with their software and devices. Capital expenditures require all of the money upfront while operational expenditures is money spent as it comes in, like utilities, rent and other monthly or quarterly services.
  • Traditionally, if a business wanted to invest in IT equipment, such as new laptops or PCs, they would pay for their technology upfront as a capital expenditure (CAPEX).
melnetra112

"The Adaptation of Cloud Computing by the Hotel Industry" by Anthony Schneider - 0 views

  • Investment in technology must bring value to a business whether it’s a large international hotel chain or a small, independent resort. Since business strategy will vary, a detailed study must be performed to identify the major issues that must be analyzed before migrating to the cloud.
  • Cloud computing can dramatically lower the time and cost of entry to business for smaller firms trying to benefit from computer-intensive business applications that were originally available only to very large corporations.
  • Cloud computing offers an adaptable and dynamic provisioning of computer resources
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • It can provide an almost immediate access to hardware resources, with little to no upfront capital investment.
  •  
    Cloud computing is not the answer to everything however it does have pros that allows its infrastructure to be invested. Cloud computing is cost effective, faster, and easy to share with different businesses in a different location. Although, its does rely on internet in order to make data download to the cloud.
mattiebell

Hilton Hotels Hit By Payment Malware - 0 views

  • Hilton has revealed that some of its payment systems have been infected with malware that organised the theft of targeted customer informat
  • ion.
  • nfected POS (Point of Sale) systems in hotels.
  • ...6 more annotations...
  • i
  • we identified and eradicated unauthorised malware that targeted payment card information in some point-of-sale systems at our hotels
  • 54 North American locations were compromised by point-of-sale malware
  • hospitality service providers face extraordinary challenges with customer data security at point of sale (POS)
  • often the weak link in the chain and the choice of malware,
  • Encrypting the data in the card reading terminal ahead of the POS eliminates the exposure of live information in vulnerable POS systems
  •  
    This article is about the POS system at Hilton hotels and how it was breached by malware that put consumer data at risk. I found this article interesting because Hilton does not use unattended POS systems, which are what are most commonly targeted in information phishing attacks. This is definitely something that affects all aspects of the hospitality industry, and we know that consumer data is very sensitive. Hotels and other hospitality agencies are trusted to maintain high levels of confidentiality. It would be interesting to see how such a malware would have affected a smaller company with less counterattack resources.
kyleemcroberts

Why Tablets on Restaurant Tables Are Here to Stay - Eater - 0 views

  • tabletops at numerous restaurants, from fast-casual burger chains to pillars of the casual-dining sector like Olive Garden and Chili’s.
  • Putting tablets on tables is intended to speed up service by enabling diners to perform various tasks such as ordering food or paying their check without having to wait for their server to appear. I
  • restaurants to turn tables more quickly and serve more guests
  • ...10 more annotations...
  • Outback Steakhouse franchisee in the nation operates more than 100 stores, said that the tabletop tablets enable their restaurants to cut labor costs by “one or two percent,” and run fewer servers per night who are each making more money.
  • 15 percent of diners use the tablets to play games during their meal, but all those small transactions add up — and mean that the tablets basically pay for themselves.
  • tablets are a valuable tool in their technology arsenal.
  • There’s been a fair amount of concern that tablets would put human servers out of jobs, but thus far Outback and other casual dining chains say they are using tablets as server’s assistants:
  • Human servers still interact with the tables and lead service, but diners can use them for common requests like ordering drink refills and closing out their tab.
  • tips have stayed steady or even increased, thanks to the ease of tipping via tablet:
  • automatically apply a tip of the industry standard 20 percent, which is easier than manually entering a smaller tip. Tips are likely also higher thanks to diners’ increased satisfaction with service
  • increased check averages when tablets are in use
  • tablets are also serving as a valuable data gathering tool.
  • restaurants with useful feedback on food and service, and in some cases guests who want to provide more specific feedback
  •  
    The rise of tablets.
  •  
    Tablets have become a success in faster casual and casual-dining restaurant and seem to be better for all around service. Customers like how fast they are able to order, servers are happier because they see a trend of getting more tips at the end of the night, and businesses are profitable because less servers on shift and more profit in business pockets. People tend to spend more money with games to play and ability to order more food in less time. There is a benefit for data collecting on experience at the restaurant as well that helps the companies out on what they need to focus on. Tablets are showing great promise and will most likely be on almost all casual dining tables.
erinkieltyka

Making ecotechnology worth it for hotels - Insights - 1 views

  • n a 201
  • budget limitations, and a lack of manpower. “These barriers”, warn the researchers, “are likely to reduce the motivation of senior hotel management to adopt the technologies unless they are essential to survival”.
  • n a 201
  • ...10 more annotations...
  • In a 2012 survey, TripAdvisor found that 71% of the respondents were keen to make eco-friendly choices when travelling
  • In Hong Kong, a few upscale hotels have seen their reputations improve and profits rise since installing occupancy sensors, headboard coolers, and air conditioning control, amongst other innovative solutions.
  • External barriers to installation include resistance from local governments and weather conditions that hinder the use of renewable energy
  • Price-conscious hoteliers can save money by installing energy-saving technologies such as lowflow shower-heads, solar hot water collector systems, and decomposers that liquefy leftover food
  • A chain hotel with 400 rooms might benefit more in the long run from investing in environmental technologies than will a smaller, independent hotel that cannot afford the initial outlay
  • Finally, a lack of technical knowledge can make hotels reluctant to adopt any new technologies – especially environmental ones
  • For instance, installing water restrictors in shower-heads may reduce water flow and pressure.
  • Although many of the hotels boasted green awards, employed specialists responsible for environmental programmes, or had green committees, fewer than 30% of them planned to obtain green certification within the next year.
  • a lack of green knowledge and experience. As this barrier most strongly affected hotels with no green incentives or programmes, a logical solution is to create a formal structure to promote environmental management
  • For example, employees at internationally branded chain hotels, which pride themselves on globally consistent service quality, were particularly concerned that adopting environmental technologies would damage guests’ experience
  •  
    Hotels are definitely in a position to use green technologies to reduce their consumption and waste without compromising customer experience. In addition to environmental benefits, this approach can also improve a company's environmental performance and reduce utilities expenses. However, both external and internal factors can affect a company's decision to adopt these environmental technologies. This study explores some of the factors that might be hurdles for the industry as it tries to move towards a smarter and more sustainable future.
  •  
    This article discusses the barriers to more hotels implementing green/eco-friendly technology. The main concern most hotel managers have about installing green tech is compromising the experience for the guest. For example, lowflow water heads are eco-friendly and conserve water as well as money, however guests may be displeased with the low pressure. Another large reason for lack of implementation is the little knowledge hotel staff have of green tech in both installation and usage.
kjeewan

The benefits of moving from CapEx to OpEx for IT spending - 0 views

  • The delivery of cloud-based technology solutions ‘as a service’ has made it possible to turn IT operations into an operational expense (OpEx), as opposed to a capital expense (CapEx), removing the need for any hefty upfront investments and replacing them with predictable monthly fees.
  • IT managers are realising that these smaller ongoing costs versus cyclic infrastructure builds are the key to bringing more value to the business and changing perceptions of IT.
  • According to a Cloud Technology Partners article, many companies carry up to 5 times the required hardware, networking, and data centre space during steady state business cycles. Most enterprises have hardware utilisation rates significantly below 20% because of the excess capacity required to handle peak demand, as a result spending much more on compute and storage than is required.
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • The cloud-based OpEx model can provide significant savings and nearly infinite agility, so it doesn’t make much sense to spend massive amounts of capital on building, maintaining, and operating data centres. This is best left to a managed service provider who does this exclusively.
  •  
    Companies should forecast differently when it comes to paying for technology. Instead of using a big chunk of change (Capital expenditure) investing in equipment it only uses just about 20% of the time, it can consider consider alternative, cloud based technology for a monthly fee (Operational Expenditure) This frees up money, time, and resources necessary for creativity and innovation in the company.
mmdmd99999

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing - Cloud Academy Blog - 0 views

    • darielmolano
       
      Despite its benefits, cloud computing has its disadvantages. An outage could happen as well as downtime. Now, there are ways to minimize the effects of downtime and outage such as multi-region deployments
  • Cloud computing has benefited many enterprises by reducing costs and enabling a focus on one’s core business competence
  • here can be disadvantages to cloud computing, especially in smaller operations.
  • ...15 more annotations...
  • key disadvantages and share tips and best practices that your teams can employ to address them.
  • Since cloud computing systems are internet-based, service outages are always an unfortunate possibility and can occur for any reason.
  • Best practices for minimizing planned downtime in a cloud environment
  • storing data and important files on external service providers always opens up risks.
  • Their dependence on remote cloud-based infrastructure meant taking on the risks of outsourcing everything.
  • Best practices for minimizing security and privacy risks
  • Even the best teams suffer severe attacks and security breaches from time to time.
  • Best practices to help you reduce cloud attacks
  • Since the cloud infrastructure is entirely owned, managed, and monitored by the service provider, it transfers minimal control over to the customer.
  • Best practices for maintaining control and flexibility
  • asy switching between cloud services is a service that hasn’t yet completely evolved, and organizations may find it difficult to migrate their services from one vendor to another.
  • Best practices to decrease dependency
  • Pay-as-you-go cloud services can provide more flexibility and lower hardware costs, but the overall price tag could end up being higher than you expected.
  • Best practices to reduce costs
  • the suitability of cloud computing for your specific use case should be assessed in a risk-based evaluation.
  •  
    Cloud computing has its disadvantages like outage and downtime
  •  
    This article speaks on some disadvantages of Cloud computing all while providing ways to tackle these threats. For example, other than the main and common disadvantages it also touches on is the switching between cloud services. This can be seen due to the lack of growth within the cloud system. Eventually the gaps between servers can cause risk of security and loss of information.
  •  
    cloud computing disadvantages: downtime, security and privacy, vulnerability to attack, limited control and flexibility, vendor lock-in, cost concerns
bbalthaser

Philips PDS helping hotels reduce e-waste with software update - Recycling Today - 0 views

  • Latest figures show a record-breaking 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste in 2019, up 21 percent since 2014.
  • Part of Philips PDS’ ongoing commitment to improving its own and its customers’ green credentials, its MediaSuite Android-powered TVs – found in hotels and hospitals around the world – now get better with age, with regular updates bringing a consistent, high-performing experience, regardless of when the TV was purchased.
  • From reimagining packaging through to extending product lifetimes, sustainability is a key requirement for our customers and a clear deliverable achieved with these updates.”
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • “With MediaSuite and our Extended Lifetime guarantee, hotel TVs get better with age, ensuring greater return on investment and the ultimate, uncompromised TV viewing experience for every guest in every room.”
  • We don’t believe in limiting the latest and greatest features to the newest Philips models. We want our customers to be able to offer the best experience at all times, not just when their TVs are due for replacement. We hope our strategy brings some welcome relief to the industry, both today and into the future,” Verhaeghe says.
  •  
    Phillips a manufacturer of TVs and other electronics made efforts to reduce its carbon footprint in terms of e-waste by extending the lifetime of its current products used in hospitality. They did this by creating software updates that would upgrade the TVs without having to replace them with newer models that have all the bells and whistles that guests expect to have in newer Smart TVs. Since 2019 "53.6 million metric tons of e-waste" have been calculated up 21 percent since 2014. Laptops and TVs are among the highest number of items being discarded. Phillips like many companies has committed to making green initiatives and one of these ways was with currently used TVs in the industry. Rather than replace them with a newer model they can update with simple software which allows them to last longer. Sustainability has been at the forefront of customers' minds and Phillips made its own commitment to sustainability in the industry. It is great to see tech giants making efforts to be sustainable. I know we hear about "green initiatives" but we often don't see them. This is something tangible and has a huge impact not only on the tech side but for hospitality providers. Instead of needing the greatest and latest they can save money and keep using currently purchased tech and just upgrade it. I find this very appealing especially for smaller HSP that may not have budget replacement every so often. I also find this good for consumers because it can also be done at home. These updates are available for all Phillips tv users, not just HSP. So this goes a long way to benefit the environment. And many more ideas can come from this simple idea.
cleon087

Green IT | Green Hotelier - 2 views

  • Reducing energy, emissions and waste are concepts that have been around for many years, but one area that is often overlooked is information technology (IT).
  • it was estimated that 360 million computers were manufactured.
  • quiring over 10 times its weight in fossil fuels to make.
    • cleon087
       
      Computers waste a lot of energy and parts
  • ...30 more annotations...
  • 22kg of toxic chemicals, 240kg of fossil fuels and 1,500 kg of water.
  • consuming 15% of the total electricity used in offices
  • 50 million tons of e-waste was generated worldwide, but only 13% was recycled. US Environmental Protection Agency
  • Reusing working computers is up to 20 times more energy-efficient than recycling them
  • hich utilises the naturally cool environment below ground to reduce power consumption, and increase energy efficiency.
  • o date, more than 28,761 IT assets have been recycled (waiting for latest stats), which equates to 629,408lbs of e-waste diverted from landfill.
    • cleon087
       
      I wonder where is the recycling actually taking pace
  • Big hotel companies have wised up to the costs involved in operating inefficient hardware and are driving system changes to cut wasteful expenditure.
  • nt. A data centre’s life expectancy is relatively long so it is imperative it is built to the highest standards in terms of efficiency as any excess energy use will lead to significant cost implications over the years.
  • most energy-efficient data centre possible.
  • Get the right equipment.
  • Only get the data storage capacity that is currently required and forecast for the lifespan. Many d
  • Don’t have servers or equipment that will not be used.
  • , such as water cooling.
  • Data centres last 30-odd years and you can’t go back in and fix them, so they need to be efficient. Over time, this saves money as they run efficiently. Servers have to be Energy Star-compliant or I won’t even talk to vendors.”
  • cloud computing
    • cleon087
       
      We discussed this in class about the benefits of it.
  • e. Once you know what’s using the power, focus on why and whether it’s possible to reduce consumption. Spotlight on Fairmont Hotels & Resorts - T
  • into account not only the initial outlay cost of hardware, but also the running costs.
    • cleon087
       
      It's not only important to know the start up cost but what it cost to maintain it.
  • e up to 30% more energy, making it significantly more expensive when looking at the total cost of running that appliance during its lifespan.
    • cleon087
       
      It doesn't seem obvious but getting something cheaper will cost heavy in the long term.
  • investigate options to upgrade with the latest energy-efficient components to extend appliances’ working life and efficiency
  • Green labels
  • allows a single user to access several physical devices on one terminal. A computing device dedicated to an individual member of staff or allocated for one software application is highly inefficient and expensive. Virtualisation consolidates resources, requiring less power and cooling.
  • is to reuse, not recycle
  • and flat screens often being replaced well before the end of their shelf life and ending up in landfill, it’s imperative that the most is made of these materials by reusing them productively.
    • cleon087
       
      Normally people just upgrade because something new came out instead of using it until it stops working.
  • Dumping e-waste on developing countries was until recently commonplace, and it has caused huge environmental problems and harm to human health in countries such as Ghana and China. But new legislation, including the EU WEEE Directive and the 2010 US Responsible Electronics Recycling Act, has stopped countries from being able to export e-waste.
  • dopted a scheme where the cost of recycling an electronic item is included in the purchase price. In Switzerland, they’ve been able to return all electronic waste to their place of purchase since 2005, and in the European Union, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan manufacturers must by law recycle 75% of the e-waste they produce.
  • Smaller, more efficient processors.
  • which have greater memory storage capacity while requiring less energy and space. They are due to be on the shelf in about three years.
  • pecialist data centre design.
  • all sizes are starting to view IT outsourcing as a viable option to gain flexibility and reduce short-term costs and increase transparency of cost structures and processes.
  • 6. Water cooling
  •  
    Green IT is an aspect of technology that many people do even consider when thinking about sustainability. According to Computer Aid International, "The production of a computer requires 22kg of toxic chemicals, 240kg of fossil fuels and 1,500 kg of water. 80% of life-cycle energy use is accounted for before we even switch a PC on for the first time." This statistic alone should be enough for us to take action. Marriott has started taking action, however. They created an underground data center where the power consumption goes down and efficiency goes up. Cloud computing is also a massive help due to the fact that the physical software wont be on the desktop computers or laptops being operated so the power consumption will be lowered there as well.
  •  
    Green IT is an aspect of technology that many people do even consider when thinking about sustainability. According to Computer Aid International, "The production of a computer requires 22kg of toxic chemicals, 240kg of fossil fuels and 1,500 kg of water. 80% of life-cycle energy use is accounted for before we even switch a PC on for the first time." This statistic alone should be enough for us to take action. Marriott has started taking action, however. They created an underground data center where the power consumption goes down and efficiency goes up. Cloud computing is also a massive help due to the fact that the physical software wont be on the desktop computers or laptops being operated so the power consumption will be lowered there as well.
  •  
    This article focuses on the importance of having green IT in business. It shows example of other hotels that have already adopted green IT. Not only this but it offers tips for businesses that are looking to adopt green it. It highlights the issue of recycling computers instead of reusing it . They recommend to use the appliance until it doesn't work.
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