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Before hotels had the same number of tv channels, but now it's a race to see what hotel can bring more technological advances to the table to increase ROI. Hilton worldwide has adopted an AI-driven concierge in 2016 at a property which is powered by IBM Watson. The article also talks about 5 top emerging hotel technology trends. The first one is Smart guest rooms, the second one is obtaining more data, third is energy conservation. The fourth one is VR and AR which can show people special maps of guest rooms, while the fifth one would be mobile technologies, such as mobile key, room service request.

This article brings us the real version of how important to launch cyber security system, as there are actual cases in which hotel face loss because imperfect security net. Thus, the professor Mangal suggests that all hotel employees should keep an eye on the threats. At the same time when we protect our customer, we protect and branding our reputation as well. In the future, advanced technology such as biometric technology will be implemented to restrict access to data. Although hotels are unlikely to hire IT professionals directly, but they truly need cooperate with firms which specialized in cyber security, at the same time, help hotels strengthen the training of employees.

This article discusses how it is difficult for many businesses to get into the e-commerce world the same way Amazon is. It also explains how to develop a successful e-commerce strategy. Every business is trying to achieve the same success that Amazon has, but businesses are struggling. In the article it states, "the e-commerce strategies most retailers employ don't address the root causes of their problems. Their strategies don't address customers' needs, so their customers go elsewhere." This simply means that businesses are trying to fix their issues with different solutions. They are not going into the e-commerce industry with all the right reasons. Some fashion businesses are addressing the customer need for affordable fashion better than other businesses. In order for businesses to tackle the e-commerce world, they must follow the steps stated in the article. Step 1: Identify the targeted customer segment - Businesses need to have the ability to target each customer segment differently based on interests. Step 2: Identify customer needs of the targeted segment - understanding customer needs is one of the most important steps. Step 3: Develop strategies to meet those needs - strategies need to be put into action to be able to satisfy customer needs. Step 4: Enable with technology - It is highly recommended that companies use the right technology when starting their online business. They could either partner with other sites such as Amazon, or use different technology (software) to create it themselves. In the end, businesses need to solely understand the customer needs above all else. Understanding needs will lead the business to know how to sell their products/services online. Businesses will be able to take over the e-commerce world when they apply these simple steps to conduct strategies.

This article is giving the reader a look into the new check in procedures being implemented by hotels across the world. This "speedy check-in" allows for guests to by pass the traditional front desk check in and instead opt for check in via kiosks located in the lobby or even checking in before arrival. The automatic check in trend began as a way to relieve guests from having to wait in long lines when arriving at their hotel to check in . The option for speaking with front desk associates is still there but would rather serve as more of concierge, with suggestions on restaurants and questions regarding any leisure activities within the city or hotel itself. Some hotels are also taking the approach of personal greeters who approach the guest upon arrival, making the check in process more like a welcoming into a friends home. Overall I love the idea of being able to bypass hotel lines, especially during holidays when lines tend to get quite long or when arriving to a hotel fairly late in the night. Being able to arrive and head straight to the room allows for smoother check-ins and more efficient use of front desk associates. The personal greeters also provide more of an at home feeling. Guests can feel like they are personally being cared for as opposed to just being another occupied room. 

As we move into a technology focused society hotel needs to follow the trend of what travelers want and how to streamline using technology. This article describes how hotels are implimating kiosk in their lobbies to offer their guest a quick and easy way to check-in without having to make the line at the front desk. The hotels goal is to leave the "hotel embassador" and/or front desk for guests that have special requests or questions about their stay. They reference a hotel in Boston that has taken the electronic checkin a step further. They email the guests prior to arriving at the hotel two codes. The first code is to be used at the front door to enter the hotel, and the second code to enter into their hotel room keypad. They interviewed President and General Manager of NCR Corporation's travel business about these types of services. He stated that they offer travelers the same speed and quick services as ATM machines at banks or kiosks at the airport for quick checkin. He went on to say that they expect that type of service when traveling. Mr. Craig even touched on how a travelers feedback is even more important due to social media. One bad review can affect the hotel instantly after they tweet, post, etc. In the article they also interviewed Glenn Haussman, editor of the online trade magazine Hotel Interactive. He stated that with the use of the kiosk and express check-in the front desk staff can offer a more personal experience by doing other tasks. For example they mentioned a late check guest might want a snack or something to relax after a tough flight. By the staff not needing to check them in can go get the guest a coffee, or something to eat; this making the experience feeling more personal. The article states the Hyatt chain has implemented their kiosk in almost all their properties in major cities. They still offer a more traditional check-in as well. They went on to say some chains are using greeters with ipads to check guests in as they ente

This articles talks about the physical plant situation that Marriott had years ago. After Marriott faced challenges in 2005 with its management company that was in need of separating its IT infrastructure from its parent company, they now use Oracle E0Business Suite 22i's HR and Payroll applications. Marriott in North America had a long history of using Oracles application, Marriott U.K and Hewitt stayed with Oracles .

The article I read was called, "Restaurants, Beware: Hackers Want Your Customer Data." In the article it talked about how cyber criminals want credit card information from people so that they can make money off of them. Criminals find new ways everyday to breach systems and steal information from guests staying at hotels or eating in restaurants. It states that many restaurants and franchise businesses use unsecure and public WiFi networks are connected to the point of sale system. "Franchise businesses are particularly at risk primarily because franchises tend to have the same POS system duplicated at all locations." A lot of times businesses don't have trained security on staff, they just assume that their IT person will be talking care of the security. According to the article the best detection systems are neither the technology nor the security but it's the employees who work there. The employees can tell when something has changed in the system and as soon as they realize that, they need to report it to their manager. I never even considered people breaking into the systems and stealing credit card information but it does happen and it's important to know what to do in these kinds of situations.

Having a clear understand of what makes a great hotel, resort, or conference centre and how to run it profitably is an essential part for a successful management company. Benchmark Hospitality International win the market through its day-to-day management decisions on the numbers. They built a  centralized 'private cloud' technology hub and data gathering platform based on which the managers can make decisions every morning while not wait until month end or later to see property financials. The private cloud helps to reduce its ownership costs and to protect data. Benchmark also uses the Internet-enabled Profitvue enterprise back office system from Aptech Computer System to centralized property accounting.  This is technology plays an important part of hotel operations. The Profivue back office accounting system is internet-enabled, so a PC is the only back-office hardware. The same for the front office systems. It is a great saving for its owners. Since Profivue is flexible enough for Benchmark to have a standard chart of accounts and general ledger for all its properties, Benchmark can quickly integrate a new property into Benchmark's processes. It just bring financial team members from other properties, who are familiar with the system and chart and G/L. So a new property can be ran very quickly without the usual hardware and software installation and staff training. Another advantage of this system is that Benchmark's financial stockholders, management teams, and guests benefit a lot from it, so they always support these innovations, which can later stimulate the company's success. Applying new technology in operation management can help company win a larger market share and develop fast.

With the trend of green hotels and technology growing rapidly in not only our industry but all industries in general, it is important for companies to stay up to date with new innovative green technologies. This article touches upon on hotel in Seattle named Hotel 1000. The hotel has begun implementing new technologies such as memory lights that shut down when guests are out of the room and then turn on to the same levels set when the guest returns. Also being implemented is a system that can switch air on when a guest arrives to the hotel. This controls the amount of time the air is in use as well as prepares the room pre-arrival.  Finally this article discusses the imminent idea of alternative energy solutions for hotels. Many hotels hope to receive government subsidies in order to begin implementing solar panels on their roofs providing more energy while cutting current electricity costs. Installation costs are high but will be offset over time.

This article describe a new smartphone app based on Android system in Samsung phone. At the first, this article introduce the long history about the room key development. It points out that the physical keys always have a problem that key itself can be stolen, and thus used by someone who doesn't have access privileges. Then the article introduce the  new Samsung's system. What amazing me is the phone is not only can be used as a door key but also a control center in guests' hand. "Once inside the room, the same phone can be used to order room and laundry service, book other hotel facilities, and act as an in-room phone extension. " The app has powerful features and I thought it will become a trend in the future.

Jingjia...this is a great article. I agree with you, I am impressed with the functionality of the phone application and how it works. It eliminates the middle man and any room for human error. I wonder how much more we can do with our phones. On this article listed below, it talks about how you can start a car directly from your IPhone (http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/10/start-your-car-from-your-iphone/). Soon, we will be able to do many things with simply the touch of a button.

Like the tittle said, this article introduced some basic methods to keep data safe when connecting to public wireless hotspots. The author pointed out that whenever we connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots, most single piece of data can be picked up by anyone within range of the same network. It is very important to keep our data safety especially in the public place. The author introduced ten methods to protect data safety. It included turn off "auto connect", don't share files on computer, get a 3G or 4G adapter, create your own secure connection with a VPN, connect securely to your home PC, then connect to sites you need, firewall your computer and so on. During introducing the methods to protect the data, the author also told basic knowledge about how the data will be picked up by others.  In the part of don't share files on computer, the author pointed out that many people choose home network when they are connecting into public Wi-Fi which can let other people stole the sharing files. Also the firewall for the computer is really necessary to protect the data in the computer. Finally, the author told an easiest implementation which is restrict what you do on Wi-Fi. People should not do anything on Wi-Fi that you wouldn't want to share with anyone else like bill payments. It can let other people know your account and password when you make payments through public Wi-Fi.

This is a very interesting article. As a Chinese teenager, I can experience all the changes and development of Taobao and how it won Chinese market that the author mentioned in this article. eBay can be successful in an international market, while failed rapidly in Chinese market. Firstly we can see how competitive the online market is. After this we also want to ask why eBay was beaten in China? The author of this article listed four reasons: 1) Compared with eBay, Taobao has better marketing strategies in dealing with local market. At the beginning, Taobao promoted itself through TV ads and later used short messages, which were more popular than Internet in China. 2) Taobao has less limitations on buyers and sellers through the whole process. For instance Taobao charges no listing and transaction fees on its sellers and it's free to register as a user in Taobao 3) Products made in China gives Taobao more chances to sell goods in competitive price. 3)Taobao has better terms for its customers, which helps it o to earn a good reputation and also makes Taobao more flexible in customer service. 4) The way that Taobao lists its items are more customer centric and adaptable to Chinese customers' tastes. E-commerce can bring unlimited chances and is full of adventures. As for me, marketing skills, excellent customer service and high-tech are the same important for a company if it wants to increase the share of market and makes profit. Taobao can be set as a good example in e-commerce history.  

This article is a must read for any company looking at a new software implementation. At my last job I was part of the implementation team and we had to set up, test, and install our new software system. We had an implementation team in place but we didn't have a great plan in place before we started and it showed. We were all rarely on the same page and we each had our task list and did it without really communicating with one another. I ended up leaving the company before we were done but I know the actual "go live" date ended up being about four months later than the original target date.  If we had had more of a plan in place at the start I'm sure the implementation would have gone more smoothly. From personal experience, I can attest to the validity of this article. Researching and mapping out a plan is as important as researching and choosing the best software for your company.  

Hotels are constantly trying to find ways to make their guests safer. In an article written for Hospitalitynet Renaissance Toronto Downtown Hotel upgraded their guestroom security by adding advanced RFID solutions. This hotel is located in the Rogers Center which is home to the Toronto Blue Jays which sees a lot of high-profile guests. "By upgrading its previous ASSA ABLOY Hospitality-based room access platform to include VingCard Classic RFID door locks along with the Visionline locking solution, the property ensures against the latest security threats while offering state of the art convenience". By adding this technology, the hotel gains "a contactless solution that provides the latest in anti-cloning technology". This technology has proven itself as the future technology for hoteliers. The online-based security access platform allows guests to be re-assigned to different guestrooms or extend their stay without going to the front desk. The visionline feature also allows guests to use their same keycard at different area in the hotel. This reduces cost as it eliminates the need for multiple keycards. The VingCard Classic RFID door locks along with the Visionline locking solution sets the bar for guest security and increase the guest experience.

This article answers the question of why you should use a cloud-based PMS for your hotels. This article points out that the cost of buying servers, install the software, and train your staff equal or exceed the post of getting a cloud-based PMS. The cloud-based PMS offers all of the stuff that other PMS systems offer as well as, remote login, distribution management, process automation, and real-time data analytics. The PMS also runs in your browser, so you don't have to learn new software. You can manage multiple properties at the same time, and also have the ability to integrate smart phone app.

The article reports that the great majority of hotel guests desire to have state of the art innovation for their convenience, such as casting and voice interface technology. The type of innovation stems largely from guests being able to use their laptops or phones on the TV, while also access hotel services such as restaurant hours and possibly food services from the same interface. They assert. however that it is important for hoteliers to know how guests may be able to keep their identity hidden from potential practices such as "integration with the platform that may use this data for remarketing", integrate a system that can understand an manage foreign accents. It also brings up concerns of how to measure return on investment, showing a increase in revenue and that it is possible to update the interactions with guests once the technology is deployed.

This article discusses how to stay ahead in the hospitality industry. During a hospitality conference in Las Vegas, leaders in the industry discussed where the industry is going and the power of foresight. Being great at your job is not good enough anymore. Hotels needs to stay ahead of trends and find ways to innovated before guests do. Here are a few ways hotels and hospitality companies could be proactive to stay ahead of the curve. 1) Embrace Innovation: Using Marriott International as an example, they are always thinking outside the box. At their headquarters, they have an innovation lab that constantly manufactures new ideas. Some of their designs features are looking to implement communal rooms. Where guest will share a kitchen, dining room, and lounge areas. 2) Make Technology Your Friend: Whey a company embraces technology, it has the power to take a company to the next level. The issue is that most people don't normally like change and have trouble adapting to new ways. To be ahead of the curve, it is important for hotels to use technology to their advantage. 3) Personalize Employee Communication: Communication is the key to success in any company and in hospitality, it is very important to personalize employee communication. The staff is the backbone to all hotels and communications between management and staff need to stay constant. In today's society, the guests expect to communicate anywhere, anytime and employees are now expecting the same.

In the article, "Travel Agents Increase Use of GDS to Book Hotel Rooms," it talked about how the leading global provider of revenue is generating solutions for hotels, it shows how important GDS platforms are to travel agents. "84 percent of respondents indicated that they were using their GDS platform the same amount or more often than in the past, with 35 percent stating that they are using GDS more." Back in 2009, when the last study was conducted, about 26 percents of travel agents said that they used their GDS platform more often than in the past. This study also states that the annual GDS shopping displays will be over $50 million in 2011, which will increase more than a million bookings compared to 2010. There was another survey that was done and they surveyed different travel agents from across the world that were subscribed to a major GDS system. In the survey the travel agents indicated that promotional messages are effective and often prompt bookings. Out of the travel agents they surveyed, 66% said that they were aware of the "promotional messages requested addition information by looking at the screen attached to he promotional message." From this survey it showed that promotional messages are an excellent way to reach travel agents and from reaching the agent, they also reaching the customer, it's a win-win reaction.

I enjoyed the part about brand and promotional messaging, that is always a lure for me. When I see an attractive offer, evern If I'm not interested in booking or going to the destination, I often click on it anyway just to see the offer. It is a very effective marketing tool.

Hotel guests are now more interested in connectivity than they used to. With this technology age guests would like to have access "to all things digital that can enhance their experience." Hotels now are spending more time and resources on network technology as they do for other services. For hotels to gain competitive advantage they need to build rooms where everything is on a network.

This article highlights top technological improvements in a hotel that have proven to be successful, and in return have reflected a positive ROI. The article discusses ideas that are new and upcoming. Some of these ideas include: Digital check-in/check-outs, secure and reliable Wi-Fi, smart phone operated hotels (use of keys), TV as in-room control center where guests can control room temperature and lighting, and restaurant display ordering.

Another topic that is mention, previously discussed in class, is how paper menus will be replaced and guests will now have access to order via touch screen devices. This does not eliminate servers, but increases efficiency of staff, and increases turnover of tables.

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa stated "the biggest challenge that comes with technological advancement is the probability of replacing existing staff with a technological device, since the device can do the same job just as well." This statement holds true for every single country in this world. The more technologically advanced we become, jobs will start to be replaced by technology that could do it just as well if not better than a human. For instance, the new check-in kiosks are becoming more and more a hit, and as they do you'll see hotels switch to them quicker to cut labor cost. Investing into I.T. in the hospitality industry is an everyday gamble because today they could come out with something that could be better of us at the front desk but tomorrow they could release something 10x better than this.