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The Kana Hotel Group operates over 30 properties from Hilton, IHG, and Marriott. The Kana group is updating security at its 30 properties to ILCO 790 RFID locks. The 790 RFID locks are going to be more reliable for guests to use because the new system eliminates the problem of guests having to return to the front desk to have their keys recoded, due to deactivating the back of the strip. This new system will eliminate the key card from losing its information from other magnetic objects and cell phones. I think upgrading their locks to the ILCO 790 RFID units is a great move. Not only will this bring better security to properties but also this makes a guests experience so much better. More often lately I've had keys deactivate themselves for no reason at all or they were next to something magnetic. It is a hassle sometimes to go all the way back to the front desk after a long day to deal with a key that no longer works. This is a great move since ILCO locks are high quality and this brings additional security to a hotel property.

Nowadays, people are traveling with more valuables than they used to years ago. As a result, "hotel security measures are now paramount for hoteliers, and selecting the right type of locking system for the property can be a minefield for owners". Mechanical keys and poorly maintained electronic door locks do not offer guests a sense of security. Modern RFiD card systems are becoming the popular technological choice for hoteliers. Biometric locks, which read a fingerprint or face, are reliable and cost-effective, as well. However, they are more of an ideal security solution for offices, back-of-house, or wine stores. Not only are the RFID locks harder to hack, they are cost-effective as well. The lack of physical contact between the card and the lock makes open channels for card insertion unnecessary. The cards do not have a magnetic strip or contain microchips. The card itself only has encrypted non-personal information associated with it. In addition, since there is no contact between the card and lock, "there is no requirement for read head cleaning or replacement of read heads due to wear". As a result, the amount of faulty cards is minimized and guest satisfaction increases.

As this article mentioned, more and more people pay attention on the issue of hotel security because of the development of modern technology. People began to worry about their safety. For the locking system, we use RFID card systems to ensure the safety. Even though it is lost, we can deactivate it at soon. It also reduce the burden of employees in Front Desk. At the same time, we should observe surrounding environment and learn to protect ourselves. In my opinion, the updating of this locking system is a very good idea to save cost and more efficiently.

This article answers questions that summarize the change in hotel security. The article explains why hotels have taken a new route in locks for the guests, stating that the needs of a secure stay has grown with the changes in the value of goods that each customer brings.  The article concludes with a brief description of how hotel security will evolve over the next 5-10 years.  overall i think this is a good article that explains some of the questions that many people have.

Disney has been working on this technology for quite some time. They are hoping to have this up and running within the next few years. The wristband would allow them to personalize their guests' experience.

"A New Meeting Frequency" discusses near-field communication (NFC) and its gaining popularity with the meeting and event planning industry. This form of communication enables smart devices to have communication between each other; one acts as the writer, the other as the reader. According to meeting tech consultant Corbin Ball, "NFC marks the next step toward a cashless and paperless society".  Barclaycard and Chase, just to name a few, have adopted ISIS Mobile Wallet which lets customers make payments and collect rewards. "Industry professionals are beginning to see adoption in interactive events and business-to-customer trade shows", and are present in some current NFC applications. Contactless payment, automated ticketing, social networking, exchange of information (maps, business cards), registration, attendance access and control are some of the major ways this technology is utilized presently in the industry. Usage is slowly on the rise, particularly with regard to corporate networking events, and potential is huge.  NFC technology is extremely innovative, saves money and can be a great marketing tool.

This article discusses the advancement in software technology for Hotel Technology Next Generation. HTNG is a self funded nonprofit organization that consist of members from hospitality companies and technology vendors. They have created a few programs that will help hotel management be more efficient when it comes to guest issues. The first program, Intelligent Guest Room Version 2.0, alerts the hotel staff when certain devices in guest rooms are malfunctioning. This will allow the device to be fixed prior to the customer noticing its malfunction which will result in better customer satisfaction, since everything will be operational in their room. They also created Customer Profile Specification Version 3.0 that helps generate guests' profiles. These profiles keep track of any issues the guest has experienced so the management team can assist them and follow up with the issues. Point of Sale 2.0 allows payments to be processed even if the PMS system is down. Being able to still process payments even though system is down will make it easier for the user to work. Hotel management should always be researching and aware of what technology is available for their company.  Incorporating systems that can help provide better customer service will always be a plus for management. The software that HTNG created seems to be well advanced and will definitely be an improvement. 

This article very much relates to what we discussed in class on Monday and what ebusiness' are doing these days to stay afloat. The internet is taking over the travel industry since everyone likes to do things on their own these days. Travel agents are trying to find ways around this growing trend. The two main tips for travel agents in this article are staying close with your existing customers while gaining new ones. This will alter the way your business will run. Once your existing customers realize you are loyal, easy to work with and focused them they will start spreading the world about the work you have done. The new customers will see the customer base you have and will more than likely choose you over t.agent 2 with only a few existing customers and no new clients in years. Once you complete a job, it is a must that you follow up. After everything is said and done, send them a quick email & maybe offer them a better package deal next time. Yes, the internet is putting a damper on the travel industry but at the same time agents are finding ways to work around this highly growing trend.

The article by Eric Geier is mainly an informative piece as well as a basic tutorial of Internet Explorer Settings. Geier focuses on security, the core of a browser's purpose next to actual browsing. He provides a few tricks that aren't always set for users, such as tracking protection, a feature that protects your privacy and reduces pop-ups, especially from unwanted ads. The largest focus of the article is what I find most important, and it's most talked about for a reason. Staying on top of a browser's update is essential for not only the browser's performance but most importantly for your computer's security. To put it into perspective, every time you get on Internet Explorer, it's like leaving your house. If you update your browser constantly, you are always making sure the door is locked. But the longer you wait between updates the more likely the door will be unlocked. And if you completely forget to update for an extended period of time it's like leaving the door open for malware, or malicious software.

Just last year Shangri-La have launched a mobile application for its diverse guests to make reservation on their smart phone. The application is  available in Ipad and android phone. Guest can view special promotion and their membership points (Golden Circle). Guests can redeem their points to book complimentary nights for their next stay. In addition, the applications will have built in QR code scanner.  Shangri-La plans to add features in the first quarter of 2013, that include room text, voice message, special requests, local weathers and to set up wake up calls. User that download the application can also share stories about their stay in "Your Circle". 

This article is explaining how Henry Harteveldt, an airline and travel industry analyst, believes that GDSs will evolve into value creation hubs, or VCHs, over the next five years. He believes GDSs have served airlines the best among many transactionally based industried; however, many areas of airline marketing, sales, distribution and e-commerce are looking for more. He specifically states that airlines are looking for "more flexible, robust commerce platforms built on contemporary software and architecture", as well as "commerce platforms that can support extensive fare and product transparency, dynamic pricing, rich basic and ancillary product merchandising and retailing and the ability to reliably and securely process the massive volume of shopping sessions." VCHs will be used to support the high-volume, high frequency shopping, similar to GDSs, and the system will the new technology that powers airline CRS/PSS host systems, reducing the need for costly conversion disruption.

The multi-billion-dollar ecommerce industry is a part of our everyday lives, but many don't realize the numbers and history behind it, so we collected 16 things you probably don't know about ecommerce. 1. By connecting a modified domestic television with a phone line, Michael Aldrich invented online shopping in 1979. 2. Although Amazon launched in 1995, the first yearly profit wasn't until 2003, and as of June 2012, the average order value was $47.31. 3. Because of forced account registration, online users abandon their shopping carts 26% of the time. 4. Netflix wasn't the first online DVD subscription service - Blockbuster announced Blockbuster.com in 2004, but it's unclear whether services such as Netflix and Redbox led to its ultimate bankruptcy. 5. During the third quarter of 2012, $4,423 was transacted per second via PayPal. 6. Zappos' referrals from social media per order yield $0.75 from Pinterest, $2.08 from Facebook and $33.66 from Twitter. 7. Approximately 46% of online users count on social media when making a purchase decision. 8. 71% of shoppers believe they'll get a better deal online than in stores. 9. In 2010, Groupon turned down Google's $6 billion offer and became an IPO the following year. 10. Pizza Hut began offering online ordering on its website in 1994. 11. India is home to the fastest growing ecommerce market, and France is home to the slowest ecommerce growth. 12. Ecommerce sales are expected to surpass $200 billion in 2012. 13. Consumers spend between $1,200 and $1,300 on online shopping per year. 14. E-retail will grow to 9% in 2016, up from 7% today. 15. Online sales from social networks will grow 93% percent per year within the next four years, according to consulting firm Booz & Company. 16. From 2011 to 2016, 15% more people will shop online, taking the number to 192 million in the U.S. 17. Analysts say that an explosion in the mobile payments market is just around the

This article is talking about the comparison between the traditional retail model and the E-commerce model. People put more attention on the online business rather than the traditional system. From the data of Martec international, it says the spending in the IT has declined since 2003. In the helping of the computer and internet technology people understand the benefits in online. The internet is fast and convenient so that retailers can stay at home and manage their products. People do not be out of home and talk with customers face to face. In the past, the store system was the major part of the IT budge. But nowadays people are seeking another way to decrease the expense and focus on the mobile sales. With the demands of the retailers the CRM, mobile and cloud-based applications are designed, these application are working for implementing consumer solutions and then enable a Omni-channel experience for customers. Now even though the e-commerce does not have many users, the potential users is worth to be mentioned in the retailers. The e-commerce has a bright future prospect.

Hotels are going way beyond in meeting guests' expectations with the modern day's technologies. One example would be the SLS Hotel, a subsidiary of LA based sbe Entertainment, introducing In-room iPads featuring their internal application, which could be used to change TV stations, place wake-up calls, and order room service. Aside from the above mentioned, guests could surely utilize the internet browsing websites, and other features on the iPad which brings up the next question - Invasion of Guest Privacy. SLS Hotel has partnered with AirWatch in developing a comprehensive securing device in order to deliver a customized brand experience to each guests. Securing measures include restricting guests from using the iPad's camera to prevent guests from seeing previously uploaded content by former guests, removal of the native web browser to prevent guests from viewing previous web activity, etc… SLS Hotel is also planning to implement a cross-platform BYOD program for hotel staff which would also create another security concern on managing confidential and sensitive information within the company. Afterall, a comprehensive security plan and measures have to be in place before any forms of technology could be implemented in this industry. One mistake or negligence could cost the downfall of a company.

This article discusses the different aspects of choosing the best PMS for a companies specific needs. It offers several points to consider when selecting a PMS including what features to look for and hidden cost traps. The first and main point in selecting a PMS is to identify exactly what it is you need. This will help to eliminate unnecessary features that add to the cost allowing you to focus on more useful features or collect the savings. This is a very good tip it seems because PMSs have many different options, some of which that wouldn't benefit certain types of business. It would be wise to consider all the features included and their necessity for this reason allowing more efficient programs or savings. The next points discuss several traps that PMSs can include like hidden costs and technical support problems. Sometimes products may require costly upgrades that you are forced to buy in order for the system to run properly. This is definitely a factor to investigate when choosing a PMS as it could result in significant expenses to a company. Also if technical support is needed make sure the conditions are fair. This is also important because when the technology breaks down it will directly effect the cost and repair time. These are all excellent factors to consider when looking for a PMS because they all effect the main focus: money.

Summer's just around the corner, so imagine you're setting off on vacation. When you give your name and credit card to a hotel front desk clerk, you probably expect them to keep that sensitive information about you under lock and key. You probably don't imagine that this personal information would be easily available to malicious hackers.

But unfortunately for customers of the Wyndham Hotel chain and its affiliates, that hasn't always been the case. Between 2008 and 2010, the risk of data breaches was unacceptably high. On three separate occasions, third parties attackers circumvented Wyndham's security systems and accessed credit card information. The FTC filed a complaint against Wyndham in 2012 alleging that the company's security practices - including failing to encrypt payment data and the use of default logins and passwords - constituted unfair and deceptive practices under the FTC Act. It is precisely for this reason that we have consistently argued for a flexible approach in understanding the unfairness and deceptive regulation prongs of the FTC Act; a cramped interpretation of the authorizing statute would preclude the agency from protecting consumers in our current era of computerized and network technologies absent further Congressional grants of authority, which could take years.

This article contains information about the detection of data stealing malware by researchers in an Israel-based company (Seculert). Follow up research discovered that malware was found in POS systems in hotels and other businesses as well. It is believed that the payment hubs are the next cybercriminal targets. In the article, it explains what the malware was and how to identify it. Researchers agree that it doesn't directly infect the systems, but was created to make analysis difficult. Though it is relieving that this malware had been detected, it shows the importance of higher security for POS systems. So many payments are made through these systems. Any attacks can jeopardize the privacy of customers' payment information and company information. This could lead to a distrust issue and could end badly for companies. So, the security definitely needs improving. However, it should be remembered that hackers get smarter daily. So, information will not always be safe. This leads to the need of companies to constantly improve their security. It would be a good start.

Travelers today expect hotels to provide dependability and security. Quality technical support is just as important for operators. Kaba's ILCO 790 RFID locking system is cost-effective and reliable. It uses the latest access control technology to provide hotel guests with a smooth, contactless room access experience. ILCO's RFID technology not only provides a first-class guest experience; it also significantly reduces operational overhead. RFID keycards cannot be de-magnetized so hotels do not suffer the cost and inconvenience of issuing replacements. The 790 Series locks are the perfect choice for hotels that want to take their operation and security systems to the next level.

This article talks of seven ways in which a POS system can help a small or medium size business through making the owners responsibilies easier to manage. The tools provided by the POS system can help with everything from payroll, to inventory, to pricing and coupons or sales.

This article tries to introduce the point of sale system. It recommends that it's time that your business did away with its cash registers and stepped up to a point-of-sale (POS) system. And the author lists seven reasons to convert businessman set up this system. First of all, your "sudden shrink" no longer goes undetected. It means that the system which has a receiving and inventory module that, when used properly, it can help you to pinpoint the cause of the shrink. Second, Markdown management is much easier. Compare with wrestling cash-register receipts at day's end, a POS automates the process of introducing markdowns and, in turn, tracking them accurately. Thirdly, Promotions can be tracked more successfully. Promotion is necessary for a business. However, the problem is recording shorter specials. Here, the POS system can help you. Then, you can maintain control in absentia. . Many operations suffer in employee efficiency and customer service when the boss is away. Automating a host of functions via a POS can help boost those areas, no matter where the head honcho happens to be. Besides, Your prices are consistent from one location to the next. If your business operates at more than one location, a point-of-sale system ensures pricing consistency. What's more, a POS system can help to keep stocks in proper balance depending on demand and other factors, which can vary from one location to the next. Sixes, you get many tools in a single package. At last, you can make better use of your personnel. The author thinks the greatest advantage to a comprehensive point-of-sale network is that it can afford your personnel to devote their energy to customers. In a word, the author gives us seven advantages of POS and recommends strongly applying it on business.

I liked the part that discussed how this would limit theft, as we know that is a big problem in most establishments. Anytime you can eliminate a calculator and human math is a plus. Recepits can easily be lost. Also consistency is a big part of it, especially if you have more than one establishment. good article!

This article show cases Subway Digital's recent acquisition of a 20-person team from Avanti Commerce. This team's main focus will be the expansion and customization of an innovative e-commerce and onmi-channel platforms. Apart from that, the team is also developing a new program for in-restaurant kiosks.

This article expounds how Google is contributing to the future green advancements of the world by implementing them in their every day operations. Although developing next-generation consumer electronics is an extremely lucrative sector of technology, Google has shifted their thinking away from the immediate consumer electronics field, moving towards the development of green technology. The article further mentions Google's wide-range of environmentally-friendly initiatives which includes the development of an application plug-in that would help automobiles determine where the driver is going that in turn reduces energy use, incorporates renewable energy, and offsets carbon emissions. Also, despite the large amount of Google data centers, Google has managed to cut their energy use in half through practical thinking that included purchasing a wind farm in Iowa with plans of running entirely on renewable energy in the near future. The company also made it a point to cut down on greenhouse gases by having goats roam their Google campus to eliminate the need for fertilizer and lawn movers. In conclusion, by adopting unconventional techniques for effectively lowering its environmental impact, the company has become a model example for more companies to think outside of the box and focus on implementing green technology in an efficient and innovative manner.