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This article describes trends in technology in the hotel industry and the applications of them in the Russian economy. The article discusses what the trends in IT are and how they may apply to the hotel sector of the hospitality industry, providing real-world examples and hypothetical scenarios. The information in this article is insightful to the relationship between hospitality and information technology and provides a perspective on this relationship from the viewpoint of the Russian hotel economy specifically.

The article "the pernicious side of electronics: the growing problem of e-waste," discusses e-waste and what we can do as a community to eliminate the issue. E-waste produces tonnes of toxic waste each year and it was predicted that within the last year around 2.13 billion PCS, tables, and cellphones were shipped worldwide. To eliminate this issue moving forward we must increase education on the harmful impacts of e-waste, improve designs for more sustainable electronic devices, and upgrade infrastructure where the consumer is able to recycle electronic goods safely.

Statistically speaking, CIOs don't become CEOs. But it's not because they don't want it. Research shows that nearly half of CIOs aspire to become chief executive, but only four percent actually get there. Much more frequently, CEOs for the world's top companies - about half in fact - come up through C-level financial or operating roles (Vanson Bourne, 2012). Chris Laping, CIO of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (www.redrobin.com), strongly believes this is because technology executives are too often focused on engineering and IT solutions to embrace their most valuable leadership quality: the ability to manage change. Technology leaders, he believes, possess powerful project management skills that can and should be leveraged across the business for even the most non-IT initiatives, with the particular role of being agents for change. Laping's official role at Red Robin is indicative of that practice: he's the company's senior vice president of business transformation and CIO. In that role, he oversees the company's technology, learning and development, enterprise project management and operations services teams. In this exclusive interview with Hospitality Technology, Laping shares how the technology team has taken on a business transformation role at Red Robin, and describes his overall vision for IT leaders. But it's not something CIOs are handed; they have to drive it, says Laping. Driving this change, perhaps, will also help more CIOs chase down their chief-executive dreams. HT: Let's start with some definitions: "business transformation" and "change agents" are pretty heady buzzwords that get tossed around executive boardrooms. What does business transformation really mean? LAPING: If you look at a classic Wikipedia definition of business transformation, it talks about people, process and technology. So when you push change through people, you usually do that through training. If you want to change business performan

The power of partnerships The tourism industry is partnering with other organizations to solve problems on how to bring a more sustainable tourism. Global impact is an international multi-stakeholders consensus to bring together companies, UN agencies, government and communities to support environment. The project need not only for NGOs to facilitate contracts but also for governments to have the right legislations dealing with sustainable tourism. Tourism can affect three key areas: * Communities: Tourism creates economic opportunity but should not affect negatively traditions and local cultures. * Individuals: Tourism should be creating the right safe working environment. * Environment: Tourism should not damage the environment. Any waste should be disposed of properly. Tourism can achieve positive impacts on the region such as funding wild life conservations. There are se several partnerships that develop to better control the tourism industry and its impacts on the region. To be successful a partnership must have appropriate stakeholders, mutually agreed goal and process, and sensitivity to the power members among other characteristics.

Competitive businesses are constantly searching for new ways to increase efficiency. That's where Web 2.0 comes in. With Web 2.0 tools, an organization can increase efficiency in real-time communication, simplified collaboration, conversation archiving, expert discovery through social networking and more. The realization of the use of Web 2.0 within the enterprise has even been granted its own moniker: Enterprise 2.0. Enterprise 2.0 describes how forward-thinking companies are using tools such as wikis, blogs and web discussion systems to capture corporate intelligence and then build communities around areas of expertise. These communities then facilitate faster information sharing, which ultimately makes the organization more competitive. For example, we work with a leading auto manufacturer that uses our platform to address supply-chain problems. When problems arise, an expert community exists - along with an archive of past problems - that can help address the issue quickly and efficiently. Prior to applying these technologies, it could have taken days to find the experts or the knowledge required to resolve the problem.

this article talks about five tech tips that help to prevent employee theft. for problem 1 taking money from the register, CCTV can help, but internet protocol cameras can bring more convenience and new features. For copying the company's digital asset, using cloud-based security services, company can monitor where its information has been removed. For stealing customer data, encrypting customer data can be vital in dealing with this problem. For pilfering products, RFID readers can help detect either up to 40 feet way or up to 300 feet away. For cheating on time sheets, biometric identification systems keep employees accountable for their time on the job and prevent "buddy punching," the practice of having colleagues clock their peers in and out.

This article discusses how the traditional vendor RFP (Request for Proposal) model is no longer the ideal way to integrate the right technology marketing that a hotel needs. The traditional vendor RFP model is time-consuming and expensive, and with the way that technology is constantly expanding and changing, hotels need to stay up-to-date with technology more and more frequently, which can mean this process is wasting time and money on an ever-increasing scale. Furthermore, it is not always an accurate indicator of the kinds of technology a hotel might need, especially what a hotel might need in the future, and it is difficult to determine who would best be capable of knowing what the property will need or what exactly to ask for in an RFP. The article talks about three alternatives to the traditional model: the Scorecard model, the Digital Marketing Partner Interview model, and the Trusted Partner model. With the Scorecard model, hotels have a checklist of things they need and can check off each point from each potential vendor. With the Digital Marketing Partner Interview model, which is similar to the traditional vendor RFP process, except that the interview focused on finding a Digital Marketing Partner that aligns with the hotel's management philosophy, values, and culture in order to find the right partnership. With the Trusted Partner model, the hotel works with one particular company with whom they share common goals and objectives, and they work together to solve problems and adapt new technology as the hotel's technological needs are manifested over time.

Mr. Watt, a customer who was spending his weekend at the Courtyard Marriott in Midtown Manhattan was browsing the website. He realized that there was a strange drawing appeared on the top of the web page, which did not exist before. At first, he did not pay too much attention to it, but he still determined to check source codes to see if there was anything wrong with the computer or the Internet. After checking the source codes, he found lines of code which include references to"EXG". He thought it was a hacker attack, but his IT background enabled him quickly figured out that lines of code that include EXG had nothing to do with a hacker attack, but was a service named Revenue Extraction Gateway used by RG Nets company to inject advertisement secretly without the knowledge of the users, which aims at generating revenue from the Internet access points. Mr. Matt claimed that although this service will not bring harm to the users, but the principle of the thing that upset the users most. The hotel then apologized to Mr. Watt, and promised not to use this service anymore. What I feel interesting is that I also had such problems before, and after I interviewed some of my classmates and friends, I realized that this is a pervasive problem. However, what surprised me the most is the truth that most of the hotels do not know that their hotels' internets are exposed to secret ads injection because this kind of secret service is not on the contracts that the hotels signed with the internet company. In my opinion, it is an unethical service. Customers who use the internet feels that he/she is being spied on, and for the web content creators, they could not get a cut of the revenue from this.

In Dallas, hotels are trying to bring in technology to make things easier while bringing in a CRS system has just made it more complicated. Since there are so many online requests for hotel rooms the Central Reservation System cannot necessarily keep up with that which could be problem because if it cannot keep up then it is not going to be in a search for a new guest. InterContinental Hotels Groups is updating their CRS with a newer one that can handle the large amount of requests at one time but there is still a problem of speed. We like to see things happen immediately when we want it done and if it does not happen like that we might decide to leave the page and go somewhere else to book causing the company to lose out business. Before the internet when people needed to book hotel rooms and they went to a travel agent the agent would have to call around to see which property had availability, then find out if they property they wanted had specific rooms and rates they are looking for and then finally book the room at the specified rate. As soon as the internet came along the process became easier because it was all right there except not that much easier because it still could not do everything that we wanted it to.

Central Reservation Systems via the internet are good when they want to be and bad when they want to be. If there is a huge meeting booked last minute in a popular city during peak time there is going to be a huge influx of people trying to book hotels online at the same time and the CRS might not work as people would like it to causing people to get angry and not want to go to that specific hotel.

Central Reservation System is really a very good system which can improve the efficiency and speed of the hotel reservation.

The Article attached to this link reports commun issues found in hotel internet networks. The author mentions a study conducted with 38 hotels. It resulted that 33 out of the 38 hotels had flaws in their network configuration and allowed the researcher to access unauthorized information via the internet. We all understand that reliable internet connectivity is a priority for guests and business travelers; however, security is a concern that can't be neglected. Another reason to be concerned is that so many softwares and applications are stored via internet. Adding a password is a simple measure that every business should consider. Network issues cold not only hinder guests but the hotel as well.

According to the research by Cornell University, most US hotels are vulnerable to hackers. There are two main reasons contribute to the issue. One is the flaws in many hotels' network topology, making it possible for customers to lose their privacy. The other is careless employees provide access information to help hackers' breach. Ogle thought that WPA encryption, VPN and training employees are good ways to solve the problems. I think that if the computer networks of hotel are weak, the guests' password, email message or other private information will not be protected, and they will even suffer loss. So it is important for a hotel to use different measures as Ogle recommended to ensure the safety of the computer network.

this article is talking about the problem on the hotel network security. a author from the Cornell university said he tested wireless network at 38 hotels at the same time. he found that most hotels were easy to break into. moreover, as long as you use the Linux distribution BackTrack and a high-power wireless card and high-gain omnidirectional antenna, you can break into the hotel guest network and then get the password, email message and the website people are viewing. importantly, this procedure just cost 100$. this is full of loopholes. hotel manager should pay more attention on this problem. at the end of the article, the author recommend a security app called Wi-Fi Protected Access encryption. this app require the guest to enter the password if the guest wants to surf the internet.also, he recommend connecting to the internet using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), having updated anti-virus and firewall software and making sure each secured website starts with "https://" rather than "http://".

In this article, the author mentions something about the online booking glitches happened sometimes. Although they are not a big deal, it affects consumers in some degree. First, the fare jump happens sometimes when consumers are booking their flights online. While they clicking the searching results, it will come out a price, the fare jumps after they click the price and they are ready to book it. For example, the price shows in the search result list is 582, when consumer clicks the price button and is ready to book it, the 'fare jump' happens at next booking procedure page. It always makes consumers a little angry but have nothing to do with it. I meet the same problems in the past when I booked the flight. Those spokesmen said that these are technical problems, those inventory systems, called global distribution systems, do not always have the freshest price information, which in some cases changes so frequently that between the time the travel agency site queries the distribution system for a requested fare and the consumer actually clicks on that fare, the prices could have changed. In my opinion, that's part of reason, staffs who in charge of the website is another big part of reason. Second, consumers also meet the problem of mix lower-class tickets into the first-class search results. That is the responsibility of e-travel agencies, because they mislabel or fail to label the fare on different occasions. It seems to be another glitches, but it will affect consumers a lot when they are booking. To sum it up, details determine success or failure. Even though these are tiny problems, in a long run, they will disappoint consumers and finally lose them.

I found an interesting article about how the big computer companies can recycle the computers. This can solve some of the main problem about the recycling. The article is referring to idea that computers may become bigger size but easier to recycle. In other words we might wanna make a step back in the past, when we was able to just replace one detail from the computer instead of throwing it away.

As a business owner, it will take discipline and dedication to get the most out of your POS software. It will take discipline to set attainable goals and check profit margins each day. If something is off, reassess and fix it. You must be dedicated to the process and eventually you will see a profit.

This article focuses on the electronic waste epidemic that is occurring all around the globe. Because so many people are clueless on the subject they have listed out the 10 basic things you should know on the subject. 1. Is everything that makes up electronic waste which is just about everything you use and everything in your home including fridges, washing machines, ect. 2. It explains where all of it goes, even though we think it may be getting disposed of properly about 80% is sent to developing nations. 3. It explains that this is extremely dangerous as it has harmful elements that can even cause death when not handled properly. 4. It has the potential to be used again or even made into new things like jewelry. 5. There are trust worthy places you can take your old electronics such as e-Stewards. 6. Ways to avoid giving your old electronics to the wrong person. 7. The reason this is happening is because there really isn't any laws to prevent it. 8. Thankfully now companies are starting to implement trade in programs. 9. China is truly suffering from this problem. 10. Shows just how little people know about E-waste.

Expedia Inc. believes that voice command will be the biggest disrupter in the travel industry in the near future. Due to technology advancements in the industry, which Expedia spends roughly $1.3 billion annually, soon customers will be able to book their whole vacation by simply using their voice. Part of the industry would be shaken because as the services get more convenient, then less travel agents would be necessary. I believe part of the problem is optimizing the actual voice commands to actually work. During demonstrations, they always seem to work, but many people have problems using it. I am not a huge fan of using any voice commands, especially to book an expensive trip; however, I believe we will get to a point where the voice commands will be really accurate. I just thought it is ironic that Expedia thinks voice commands will disrupt the travel market, when the company's own existence already did that a few years ago by allowing customers to book their own trips from computers or mobile devices.

Investing in information technology can be beneficial for businesses in hospitality industry because it pays higher dividends over a long period of time. If businesses continue to invest in information technology systems regularly they can prevent problems caused by having older information systems. A security breach is a major problem that can be prevented by investing in information technology systems regularly. Another reason to invest in IT systems in the hospitality industry is to have a competitive advantage.

Electronic waste is more than an economical problem. It also affects the health of millions of people who make a living by stripping out the waste dumped in their countries. Environmental experts say it will take new funds and manpower to solve the problem, by establishing safe recycling facilities and curbing illegal exports.

This article describes many of the theft problems within the restaurant industry. It has several links to give specific details of employee theft. Also, the article describes several IT solutions to this problem. For example, it offers an audit program that can be used to flag transactions that might involve fraud. Also, it has a link to a data and POS analysis section that will aid in theft detection and prevention. By having such a system, the potential for employees to commit theft should be reduced because of the increased possibility of getting caught.

This Article corresponds to the two discussion posts this week. where we see e-waste not only a growing problem for pollution but affecting the health of younger children in surrounding areas, this article discusses how the WHO is trying to bring awareness to this issue.

The article provides a brief history of POS technology in the hospitality industry and studies the pros and cons of its applications in the restaurant industry. The study, published in 2004, focuses primarily on handheld POS devices that allow consumers to place orders and order checks independent of serving staff. The article finds that handheld POS systems have potential in this market to bring additional profits and increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.