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In the fast paced and often stressful world of event planning, a new innovative planning tool has been released that allows customers, vendors and anyone else the opportunity to see event layouts, menus, specifications and make notes on the event from either a desktop, laptop or even an android device. The event planning tool is called AllSeated.com and is completely cloud based which eliminates the use of the much antiquated way of writing everything down or showing a photocopy of a layout. Allseated.com also utilizes social media and to sync guest lists making it even faster for the client. With AllSeated.com, the hassle of having to book an event is eliminated and the customer can feel more at ease with their event on hand and the event manager can also have a much less stressful experience.

The rise and rise of consumer technology and the increasing take-up of this technology by our guests combined with the shorter life cycles of this technology creates considerable challenges for both operators and owners of hotels. In the past we stayed in a guest room to experience technology that we could not get at home but now this changed completely and in most instances the reverse is true today where what we have at home is far superior to anything that is in hotel guestroom.

Three screen hospitality: Desktop, Mobile phones and tablet. All three channels must be integrated in the hotel's multi-channel marketing strategy.

This article was about the three-screen in hospitality: desktop, mobile phones and tablets. As technology progresses hotel marketers have to keep up with all the new technology to keep their future guest happy and satisfied. Nowadays, future guests can book through their desktop or mobile phone or tablet. Therefore, hotels have to improve their websites so guest can access the website through the different three devices. There are different content needs- Each device has to meet different needs and different user intent- Each device is used for different situations, like mobile phones vs Tables to book a hotel (entering your credit card information). Lastly, Mobile vs. Tablet connectivity- tablet needs a Wi-Fi connection and mobile devices use telecommunication carriers.

Here, NCR reviews the how Mobile POS impacts customers, manager/owrners, and the staff beyond the general buzz and excitement of being able to pay for your dining via mobile device. Starting with the benefits to the customer, it is noted that there is added security for the customer because it is no longer required for the server to take the customer's card away from the table to take payment. The customer never loses sight of their card. As a result the guest is not overcharged for their tip, something that can happen often and they can be assured of the amount they are paying. Another added benefit for the guest is faster more attentive service, with expectations immediately set and met. If something is no longer available in the kitchen, it does not show up on the screen. Preventing the customer from setting an expectation for something that is not available. from a manger's perspective, Mobile POS shortens the order-to-service cycle. This shortens the wait time for potential guests and enables the establishment to serve more people more quickly. Also, having the ordering available table side, it will lead to fewer comps. So they are able to generate more money by serving more guests, and keep money because orders are taken and verified tableside. Having Mobile POS available also adds to the reputation of the establshment. It makes them seem more forward thinking and innovative. Finally, the article sites the benefits for the servers. It first helps server-to-customer relations by verifying every detail of the order right in front of the guest. The server is able to get the order right and be more attentive to the guest by having to do less walking. The server is able to have a higher level of productivity. And because they are more productive and able to provide better service, this results in increase tips and stronger attachment to both the customer and the restaurant.

The article talks about worldwide hotel bookings through global distribution systems. In the year 2012, only three months remained flat compared to the prior year and did not lose ground in GDS bookings. This impact may have been caused "after intensified political uncertainty bred hesitancy in November." According to the article, in the beginning of 2013 business are starting to act upon travel demand from hesitant periods from the prior year so companies can reengage to capture market share. The demand for travel is out there but numbers will only do it justice. North America was the only continent that GDS bookings in December were positive because elsewhere in the world, GDS bookings decreased by 0.4 percent.

As hoteliers, the development of hotel is very important. While, as the premise of development, the security is the first consideration whatever you work in the industry and also when guests stay in the hotel. As the development of society, hoteliers are constantly renew their new technology for the safety and security of property.     The security staff should have confidence to build a secure environment for employees and guests. But they often are challenged to the hilt to be professional in distinguishing between the real guest and con-men.     To the guests' point of view, before they choose the hotel, the security of the hotel is an important aspect the guest would require. The travelers also stay with confidence for their stay. So an important factor that should be seriously thought of is the web-site in which you market and sell your hotel.

From computers and cell phones, to portable communication and music devices -- the United States of America is a global leader in designing and developing new and improved electronic technologies. With this vibrant innovation, however, comes the increasing challenge of protecting human health and the environment From the potentially harmful effects of poorly managed manufacturing, use, recovery, recycling and disposal of these products.

Forget about whether there is free wifi in room or not when travelling. Hyatt Hotels Corporation has introduced the internet accessed In-Room television where basically your In-Room TV not only performs the normal functions, but everything you can possibily imagine with your laptop, mobile phone, etc... from browsing websites, ordering room service, dinner reservations to receiving customized messages from meeting and group planners and much more! With this new service, I would simply see it as an electornic bulter where every guest could enjoy whenever they stay with such properties.

This is a multi-part series by AP News on how the fast pace of technology is wiping out millions of jobs globally. Technology use is in every economical sector and nobody is immune from job losses. It is terrify to think that our world has become so automated and reliant on technological use. While there are many pros on technology use such as being more efficient, accurate, cost savings, speed and others, it has no doubt taking a toll on the economy as a whole. In the hospitality industry, a few quick examples that come to mind include online travel reservations, IPads taking over the jobs of waiters and waitress or our favorite machine the Smart Bar. These advances are unique but we are slowly moving away from human interaction. The point is while we are taking advantage of technology to improve business operations we must keep in mind that in the hospitality field we are about proving as service to others that should be as individual as possible. It will be interesting to see if this series leads to suggestions on possible future applications of technology that would revitalize the job economy or create new possibilities.

This article discusses how GDS is declining with Travek agents but GDS bookings within the hotel industry is increasing. GDS allows the hotel industry to reach bigger markets to increase hotel bookings. This article has very good facts it states that in 2012 GDS "fell to 72 % in 2012 , down from a high of 90% in 2005" GDS is great because you reach cover more ground allowing to reach more future clients then traditional target markets.

Pineapple Hospitality has chosen Zmail from the company ZDirect, as the platform they will use for their email marketing campaign. Because Pineapple Management is a growing company, the want to improve the way they communicate with their customers. Siting that it is important to have a platform that works both ways. Allowing the hotel to contact the customers and allowing the customers to contact the hotel. Zmail operates by using their content engine to capture guest behavior, purchase history and preferences. It then send individual transaction emails, emails that cater to the customer individually as opposed to mass emails to all customer. ZDirect offers this service with Zmail that is directly focused on communicating with the "right customers", those who are most likely to be loyal customers to the hotel and spend more money with the hotel. Because Pineapple Hospitality wishes to expand beyond their current market, Zmail is an ideal tool to use to identify potential customers. Since the company has been using Zmail, they have seen a ten percent increase in click-through rates.

The article gives a brief introduction of new developments f POS system in retail industry and how retail gain new benefits from that improvement. from the news, we can see new POS system has been improved for retails by reducing labor costs and increase impulse purchases both in store and on-line. For instance, new self-servce POS system in supermarket enables cusotmers to handle self check out reducing time of waiting for cashiers to check. What' more important this new way of checking out make supermarket hire fewer employees to deal with customers' checks. Another example is new electronic ads of recepits which promote sales of other products while customers most of time will pay attention to recepits information inseading of watching traditional ads for longer time.. As more and more websites install new pos systems, customers presents more perference of this new way of shopping online. I believe that when more and more technology come out and be applied into our life, they will definitely effects the way of life we living as they can provides us with more conveneients to our life.

Cloud based hotel software is allowing management for more efficient and affordable results. Hotel management can save on time, training, and cash flow. The cloud computing software enables hotels to construct their own IT infrastructure. This saves them money on expensive hardware equipment. Cloud based reservations are becoming extremely popular because of the customer can directly book a room via the web resulting in direct revenue for the hotel. More hotels are considering cloud-computing solutions due to: * Affordability - Hotels can save on hardware and can save on money being paid to employees to manage that hardware. All they need to focus on is paying for computing power and storage that the hotel may need. * Reliability and Security - Information is stored in the cloud, alleviating management of data being destroyed in a natural disaster or security breach. * Flexibility to operate from anywhere at anytime - A chain of hotels can easily use the cloud technology from anywhere in the world. The future of hospitality industry with cloud technology is moving fast and effectively, hotels want to deliver personalized guest experiences that will ensure customer loyalty. This data can be gathered by cloud technology, via email or reservation bookings.

1. IT The hot-button issue within the realm of hotel-information technology is mobile and cloud technology.A company could have tens of thousands of smartphones or laptops in the field at any given point-each a potential gateway to hackers and other criminals. To the problem the core principle is to provide end-to-end data protection with looking at cost and benefit and how it's supports the business. 2. Terrorism Ironically, one of the main reasons terrorism tops the list is because it has become less of an issue in recent years.Hoteliers need to keep their staffs and travelers mindful of possible threats, but they don't want to scare them. 3. Skimmers A related threat is that of "skimmers," or devices that catch credit card numbers when consumers use them for payment.The best prevention measure is to have an investigative team or third party on hand and making that known to employees. 4. Liability and insurance fraud These two related issues can double, triple, quadruple and quintuple corporate insurance premiums in the blink of an eye. The advisement is hoteliers to educate themselves on the issue, consulting with an attorney, if necessary. 5. Security as taboo "Security" still is something of a taboo in the global hotel industry.Hoteliers need to do a better job of "turning on the light" by talking about security openly and regularly at staff and association meetings, and hotel executives should insist their GMs make security a priority

1. ITAccording to the article, most mobile devices that are used for business are unprotected. Meaning that the devices if the device even have a password and if it does the password is not very complex. There could be thousands of employees accessing company information via the cloud through unprotected smart phones or other mobile devices. This could organizations at risk to hackers and other criminals  2.  TerrorismAlthough terrorist threats are less of a concern nowadays, that does not mean hotel managers should discontinue stressing the importance of security within their establishments. Keeping employees aware and diligent can prove to be a delicate assignment but it is a necessary of part of maintaining a safe work environment in the twenty-first century. 3.  SkimmersSkimmers are devices that steal credit card numbers when consumers use them for payment. Unfortunately, it is most commonly an employee on the inside who is committing the crime.  A third party investigation team will be needed to prove who is stealing from the establishment.  4. Liability and Insurance FraudCombined, these two issues could sky rocket a company's insurance costs through the roof. It is crucial that hoteliers be aware of the legal system and educates themselves on issues concerning liability. Both patrons and employees alike could potentially file claims against an establishment and entitlements can quickly get out of hand.    5.  SecurityDespite the best security measures, there is always the possibility of unforeseen danger. This fear of the unknown is a concern for hotel workers. To confront this fear of the unknown managers must regularly and openly discuss security with employees.  Security should be held as a top priority. 

This article discusses five main concerns brought on by the current state of hotel security. I must say that some of this information surprised me. Something that especially surprised me was learning that mobile devices that are used for business hardly use passwords. The article states, "Amplifying the problem is the sheer number of devices, he added. A company could have tens of thousands of smartphones or laptops in the field at any given point-each a potential gateway to hackers and other criminals." This piece of information is very unsettling to me. How could such valuable information not be protected? The article suggests the solution to this problem is PCI DSS. Terrorism as number two on this list also surprised me because that is not something that would first come to mind for me. The article states that it is ironically on the list for becoming less of an issue. I suppose this reminds hoteliers to never let their guard down when it comes to issues of safety and security within the hotel. However, "skimmers" and liability on this list does not really surprise me. The article suggests that hoteliers be educated about these issues to protect the hotel against them.

Now this article is about Big Brother and total surveillance. The CIA has laid claims that they would be able to tap into almost all of our daily used devices including our dishwashers. Why I don't know but it is unnerving that they would even bother to see if I separated my darks from my lights. In essence The CIA and the NSA will be able to gain access and control of all devices that are linked to the internet.  The article also reports that anyone who has been arrested in NYC is only released from custody with an iris scan. Probably because of the increased presences of CCTV and facial recognition but they are keeping mum on their reasons.  Oh and for all you email users oh wait that is all of us, the NSA is working on de-encrypting all messages to read, analyze and store. 

I'm not sure but that would be a good guess or perhaps they can bug it for sound?

I'm going to go with the benefit of the doubt and say no to the bugging on the machines. In terms of water conservation the government can monitor individual meter readings from companies through water bills, so that throws out that theory as well. I am still pondering the reasons.

Hotel's next new generation will incorporate innovative standards, in which hotels can communicate or share guest's data via a new system. Their main goal is to create a standardized system that will make it easier for not only guests but also hoteliers; they can retrieve information that will only benefit both parties when searching for personal information and profile history. The specific versions of this new system will include Customer Profile Specification, Folio Detail Exchange Specification, Hosted Payment Capture Systems Specification, and finally Product Distributions. Nevertheless, there are different components that need to be looked into before bringing this system live; particular being careful with sharing of personal credit card information of guests and fraud alert system should also be incorporated with these versions.

This article discusses the collaborative creation of hotel chains such as Hilton and Marriott, RoomKey.com. It is an OTA site that provides benefits to users who choose to make reservations with the partnered hotels. It is different from other OTAs in that loyalty program points can be used, users are aware of the hotel at which they are making the reservations, the prices are lower, RoomKey provides detailed views of the location and rooms, and there are no hidden fees. I thought this was an interesting article in that it displayed some of the hotels' efforts to compete with OTA websites.

This article talks about 3 stages for the telecommunication development in hotel. Hotel could absolutely use the phone 2 decades ago which is much more convenient to keep in touch with each others because of the lack of the mobile phones. But after the cellphone came out, hotel couldn't make more benefit from the phone calls which were just used for internal communications, morning calls, housekeeping and so on. After 2000, another technology was created which is call VolP( voice over the internet or IP phone) which could do more than a phone, such as Ads on the IP PHone. but it could not be widely used because of the complexity and cost. There is a new technology coming out called cloud which combines all the stuffs-- Telephones, PMS, Internet, and cable plant together and make employees or customers easier to learn. For example,a hosted provider of not only voice, but PMS, Internet access, premises infrastructure. Several hybrid IP systems now support a gateway mode - where the on-premises solution is effectively a gateway controlling all the analog rooms. Centrally managed and controlled - integrated into a multi-tenant web based PMS - backed by a 24-hour help desk and NOC, could be the ticket to get hospitality VoIP.

This article is about a Miami hot dog and sandwich restaurant that is using iPad ordering kiosks with a POS software system built in. In an effort to reduce costs while not reducing customer experiences. Customers can order directly from their tables where the iPad is located. They can view high resolution pictures of menu items, make cooking specifications, as well as pay directly from the iPad terminal.