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melnetra112

Why is Virtual Reality Becoming Important in the Hospitality Industry? | Circle One | V... - 0 views

  • VR has become particularly important, because of the amount of information the average customer needs before they will actually book a hotel room. Rather than reading through descriptions, which may or may not be trustworthy, it offers customers the chance to experience things for themselves.
  • virtual travel experiences, using 360 degree video technology. Through this, users can experience a virtual recreation of different aspects of travel, from the flight, to arrival, to some of the key sights
  • Virtual tours make your website appealing and highlight captivating aspects of your hotel, which helps increase traffic. With a high-quality virtual tour and straightforward booking process, more customers will be motivated to make direct bookings with your hotel. You can even add direct calls-to-action at strategic points in the tour that lead to the booking page.
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  • First impressions matter. If they’re positive, your guests will likely remember you for a long time. An engaging, interactive virtual tour helps grab your audience’s attention and create a positive first impression.
  • Virtual tours and interactive media give your guests control over their experience. Every visitor has unique needs, and can interact with the media by zooming in or panning up, down, left and right. Customers love having the freedom to choose what to view
  • this potentially allows customers to experience a virtual recreation of a room within a hotel, or take a look at one of the nearby attractions. Essentially, this allows the hotel industry to benefit from the type of ‘try before you buy’ marketing that has been commonplace within the food industry for decades.
  • those operating within hospitality management can continue to use VR to deliver information and allow customers to experience nearby attractions once they have arrived, adding to the hotel experience itself.
  • The full potential of virtual reality within the hotel industry is only recently being recognised. Nevertheless, three of the best current uses of the technology
  • The hospitality and travel industry has realized the potential of virtual reality to attract guests, increase online revenue and generate more bookings.
  • One way hotels are embracing this technology is with virtual tours. These interactive tours use virtual reality to give prospective guests an immersive, 360-degree walkthrough so they can explore the hotel before booking
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    The article discuss different usages of virtual reality in hotels, and how it has benefited hotels by increasing the number of hotel bookings and level of satisfaction.
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    In Today's Society digital is the new engineer and operational tasks in regard to how we book flights before touring, interactive experiences through the media, and memorable expressions. The hospitality and travel industry has realized the potential of Virtual Reality to attracts incoming guests and increase bookings rates.
mmoutsatsos

Digital Transformation in the Hospitality Industry | Boston Hospitality Review - 0 views

  • We are now experiencing the fourth industrial revolution, a period marked by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, the Internet of Things, and fifth-generation wireless technology.
  • The recent Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated this digital transformation resulting in a widening technology-mediated customer experience.
  • Service robots are “system-based autonomous and adaptable interfaces that interact, communicate, and deliver service to an organization’s customer” (Wirtz et al., 2018, p. 109).
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  • The core interactive and communicative features differentiate service robots from other self-service machines, which result in unprecedented human-technology interactions in the hospitality industry.
  • he service production process, disinfection robots, which emit UV light to kill viruses and bacteria, were announced to be used in airports and hotels worldwide to ensure a safe and clean environment (Greg, 2020).
  • The robots drive around autonomously in high-touch public areas and select rooms at the hotel, removing all airborne viruses and bacteria. As an extension of the hotel’s “SmartStaySafety” operation, the use of UVD robots not only provides a safe environment but also assures guests that they are being protected. 
  • In
  • the service delivery process, service robots assist frontline staff in a sequence of service encounters. For instance, the robot concierges assist employees with guest greetings upon arrival, transporting luggage, guiding guests, and delivering room service.
  • service robots can effectively respond and interact with guests, even in multiple languages. 
  • While robots make significant contributions to operational efficiency, they also raise concerns.
  • Service robots are still novel in hospitality. Their ability to cope with unexpected, dynamic conditions remains to be fully explored.
  • If guests do not follow the pre-set route, service robots may fail to respond, which can lead to a service failure.
  • AI-powered online chatbots are also employed to provide swift answers to customers via live chats.
  • provide customers with immediate responses 24 hours a day, significantly improving customer engagement.
  • customers believed VR simulations would be the best tool for hospitality operators to create a compelling customer experience.
  • VR can make a huge difference in a customer’s booking stage.
  • Through the digitally accommodated environment, customers can have a much clearer sense of what they are expecting, thus attracting more prospective customers.
  • VR application is the virtual tour video,
  • This not only offers customers a chance to experience prior to booking, but also allows the hospitality business to benefit from the “try before you buy” marketing strategy. 
  • Unlike VR, which puts customers in a completely virtual environment, augmented reality (AR) is about enhancing the physical environment and the experience of exploring one’s surroundings in real-time.
  • The current applications of AR in hospitality are largely for entertainment and practical purposes.
  • One example is the Best Western Hotel Group’s experiment with AR and Disney stars.
  • Another application of AR is indoor navigation
  • Internet of Things (IoT) refers to “an ever-growing network of connected devices which communicate with a central server as well as with each other” (Car et al., 2019, p. 163).
  • IoT provides integrated services, such as automated door locks, light switches, electric blinds, and voice-assistant devices, which are connected on a network.
  • These allow customers to control or monitor their devices from a central server, such as a mobile phone or a tablet. 
  • For example, customers can use their mobile phones for self-check-in and check-out.
  • Rooms also become “smart” with the help of IoT, which is also called the “connected room” at Hilton hotels.
  • Customers can also use voice-controlled assistants, for example, the Amazon Alexa, to control those in-room features, and order food or drinks, which can be delivered by autonomous delivery robots.
  • In addition, devices, such as luggage carts with GPS function and sensors in the parking lot, can help customers to locate their luggage and cars. Thus, IoT helps improve service processes and makes customer experiences smoother.
  • It obtains real-time data through continuous tracking from various devices, as well as a collection of customer information that was previously unavailable, such as preferences, routines, and habits (Marek & Woźniczka, 2017).
  • there are several emerging issues that hospitality practitioners must take into consideration when embracing digital technologies, which include security, privacy, costs, and human touch in hospitality. 
  • IoT with locational information can send real-time personalized recommendations to customers based on their stored preferences.
  • IoT can collect customers’ preferences for in-room features, and the data can then be used to customize the room settings for their next stay.
  • Security is a fundamental issue in digital transformation in any industry, including hospitality.
  • Also, t
  • he broad connection of various devices brings vulnerability to digital networks.
  • Thus,
  • hospitality managers must prepare for security implications of digital transformation, which can be accomplished by adopting high-security technologies to reduce software vulnerabilities, building resources to mitigate risk of cyber-attacks, and training employees on cyber-attack prevention.
  • Privacy is another important factor as highly personalized services rely on storing and tracking customer preferences and behavior through digital technologies.
  • a transparent, strict, and clear privacy policy clarifying what data can be collected and shared, and who can own the data, is necessary.
  • Another challenge is associated with the high costs of employing these digital technologies.
  • For small businesses, using digital technologies in their daily operations may require significant upfront investments.
  • it is becoming critical for hospitality businesses to consider what digital technologies would most benefit their business.
  • for small hospitality businesses, they need to prioritize what works best for them when adopting digital technologies.
  • the paradox between digital convenience and in-person experience.
  • hospitality, particularly in fine dining restaurants, customer-staff interaction is highly valued by customers.
  • it is important for hospitality businesses to strike a balance between digital convenience and in-person experiences
  • Key considerations include judging what services cannot be replaced by digital tools, preservation of the choice for customers to decide between digital or human services to maximize customer experience, and incorporation of interactive digital features in the process.
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    This article talks about the current applications of 3 innovative technologies and how they are used in the hospitality industry.
chadidscha

GDS Technology : Overview, Pros Cons and the Future Ahead - 0 views

  • If you want to gain better marketing exposure without shelling out for additional marketing costs, investing in a GDS is a wise decision. The system places your property in front of numerous clients without dipping into your marketing budget
  • - GDS also reap the benefit of reaching untapped segments for your property.
  • As the industry becomes more collaborative and more inclusive, so does the technology. Some GDS firms are recognizing the need to include non-GDS, independent hotels in their searches in order to offer a better range of choices.
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  • Another perk that comes with a GDS is the ability to update product information in real time.
  • In addition to the positive economic outlook, the technology of GDS itself is proving to be a powerfully tool. With greater reach and increased visibility, GDSs make the jobs of agents easier, and in an information- based industry, ease of work is a high selling point. The GDS will have many more obstacles to face in its evolution, but the future looks bright for this inclusive booking software.
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    The article discusses the pros and cons of the GDS. It also addresses the role it plays for helping smaller businesses in standing out to a large group of potential customers. Furthermore, the GDS has gone through many changes since the 1970's, but it is still thriving and overcoming new obstacles today.
sydneywolfson

Hilton unveils new tech enhancements for guests - hotelbusiness.com - 0 views

  • Digital Key Share will allow more than one guest to have access to their room’s Digital Key, which turns the free Hilton Honors app on their smartphones into a room key.
  • Hilton also unveiled an enhancement to a highly valued Hilton Honors benefit, providing members with early confirmation of a favorite perk—complimentary room upgrades.
  • hese two enhancements join the recently launched Confirmed Connecting Rooms, another industry first that allows individuals to easily and instantly confirm at least two connecting rooms at the time of booking.
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  • Since its 2015 launch, Hilton’s Digital Key has expanded rapidly. The technology is now available at more than 80% of Hilton’s portfolio, or close to 5,400 of the company’s more than 6,600 properties worldwide.
  • This will enable the member to choose their upgraded room directly via the Hilton Honors app.
  • Earlier this year, Hilton launched a solve for a long-time travel planning frustration and was the first major hotel company to introduce a booking experience that allows individuals to easily book and instantly confirm at least two connecting rooms.
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    This article talks about three new technological advancements Hilton is providing to their guests. One is the Digital key share where guest can download the Hilton app and have their key on their phone. Another is, when highly valued guest confirm early, they can have free room upgrades. Lastly, guests can confirm at least two existing rooms when they are booking.
amoon008

Tech roundup: New POS systems want to do it all for restaurants - 0 views

  • Toast, went public last week in an offering that valued it at around $30 billion. Meanwhile, two other providers unveiled their own all-in-one systems. Here’s a look:
  • Presto Flex:
  • The company’s new front-of-house ordering tablet can be used to enable pay-at-the-table or as a server handheld, ordering kiosk or drive-thru line buster. It is also voice-enabled, allowing guests or servers to place their order by simply saying it out loud.
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  • he cloud-based system allows servers or guests to initiate the ordering process and guests to pay at the table using their phones. It also integrates with GoTab’s other products such as online ordering and delivery software.
  • GoTab POS:
  • The delivery provider is bringing its technology to the Washington Football Team’s FedExField, allowing fans to order concessions through the Grubhub app or by scanning a QR code at their seat
  • Uber Eats made it easier for users to find nearby food.
  • Councilmember Cherelle Parker has introduced legislation that would remove the end date from the city’s 15% limit on what delivery companies can charge restaurants (10% for delivery and 5% for any other fees). If passed, Philly would join San Francisco and New York as the only U.S. cities to make their pandemic-era fee caps permanent. Delivery providers have sued both cities over those laws. 
rosedelice

Looking at the future of restaurant technology - SmartBrief - 0 views

  • Of course, customer satisfaction is always a top priority, but labor challenges are the motivator for restaurants’ automation investment. Just two years ago, increasing sales was overwhelmingly the top reason that restaurants used automation. Though new technology expense is still a concern, current labor limitations have changed the math for many restaurants, likely leading to an ac
  • eleration of automation and technology, Datassential said.
  • As consumers grow accustomed to more technology and then reach the point they no longer want to live without it – the restaurant of tomorrow may very well resemble something that’s unrecognizable today. But those operators who push the envelope with new technology will see that consumers are more willing than perhaps ever before to come along for the ride. 
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    Restaurants need to keep up with the latest technology otherwise they will not grow accordingly. Digital ordering and coordinated contactless delivery helped to keep both workers and consumers safe and allowed tech savvy food service operators to stay afloat. Even though the younger consumers are the most accepting and enthusiastic about restaurant automation. The older generation will follow sooner or later.
kbroo026

How your POS system will help your restaurant survive omicron - 0 views

  • a way to stave off people quitting, reduce stress, AND increase pay for employees — while improving the dining experience for customers
  • One answer lies in the POS system. A smarter, more responsive, up-to-date POS system that can not only bring additional revenues to your establishment but also keep your employees happy — whether they take orders over the phone or provide table service. Let’s take a look.
  • the tipping situation at QSR/fast-casual restaurants is all over the map.
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  • some restaurants in this category still do not accept tips. Tipping at restaurants in this category is now the norm and a must.
  • Automated buttons with tip suggestions are the way to go, and can increase tip amounts by upwards of 50%.
  • Adjust tip errors as they occur.
  • newer options such as online ordering require more work on the part of the customer but they allow you to run your restaurant more efficiently even if short-staffed and put less stress on your employees. Less stressed employees mean happier employees and ideally less turnover.
  • Offer cash discounting.
  • By not having to pay processing fees, a business owner can instead reinvest the funds back into the business and its employees.
  • Make sure your POS is responsive and has backup options.
  • Aside from the obvious marketing and branding benefits, when people carry a balance on a gift card, they are aware of it and they know that they need to spend it. Customers might be using a gift card because they received it as a gift (obviously), but loyal customers might just buy gift cards for convenience and keep adding a balance to it for themselves.
  • your POS system is the key to better paid, less frustrated employees who are happier—and stick around.
  • While higher tips and less stress about the restaurant’s processes and IT might not be the only factors that keep a worker from quitting, every little bit helps.
  • Don't be afraid to ask more of your processor, and if they aren’t willing to work with you to improve your operations,
  • then it’s time to re-evaluate your relationship with them.
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    This article from the CEO of PayBright discusses the many ways that restaurants can make their POS better at serving its employees. Options such as pre-calculated tip suggestions, flexible ordering options, cash discounts, and gift card management are all ways that more (tip) money can flow into servers' pockets. An intelligently managed POS can lead to happier (and retained) employees and a more efficient operation.
melnetra112

McDonald's Big Mac ATM | PYMNTS.com - 0 views

  • McDonald’s has spent the better portion of the last year developing and implementing strategies to bring the global fast-food franchise into the 21st century. Other global competitors have beaten McDonald’s to the punch tech-wise — Starbucks, Domino’s and Taco Bell, for example, are years ahead of Mickey D’s when it comes to ordering online and using digital tools to enhance the consumers’ experience.
  • But the fast-food giant is playing quick catch-up with its in-store tech, mobile ordering and delivery initiatives — and is doing so by taking a page out of Snapchat’s playbook by blending unattended retail with marketing.
  • That’s right. McDonald’s got its hands on a vending machine.
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  • the Big Mac ATM will dispense two new sizes of burger — the Mac Jr. and the Grand Mac — free of charge. In lieu of payment, hungry customers will “pay” with their Twitter handles and get a free lunch. The machine will generate a tweet on the user’s account while they eat.
  • First, consumers are drawn in by the hype factor
  • Second, it’s free food.
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    Technology in the Fast Food Industry, McDonald's Big Mac ATM is free, short-term and Customers friendly. This new method of dispensing food to the public is convenient and it help improve guest experiences versus in store production
avanzado

GDS System: What is And Why Should Hotels Use a GDS System? - 1 views

  • For hotels, the number one advantage of using a GDS is the increased demand that can be generated. This is because a global distribution systems represents a single entry point for a huge number of travel agents globally.
  • a hotel will need to pay a small initial setup fee, along with transaction fees, which are applicable to each booking on an individual basis. In some cases, an agency fee may also apply.
  • The precise fees involved can vary significantly, depending on the travel agency, GDS and type of booking, but fees of around 10 percent are not uncommon.
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  • A GDS sytem stands for “global distribution system” and is a network, which facilitates transactions between companies in the travel industry. These networks are then used by travel agencies, who are provided with real-time inventory and pricing information for hotel rooms, as well as airline tickets, car rental services and other products.
  • While hotel owners may prefer direct bookings, the reality is that global distribution systems continue to serve as a vital distribution channel. Through the use of a GDS system, a hotel has the capacity to reach travel agents and a much wider customer base, resulting in increased demand, more bookings and greater revenue
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    A GDS system is a massive advantage for a hotel because it will increase demand which directly increases revenue. A GDS system can be even more beneficial if the hotel is targeting corporate travelers. However, a GDS system is not without its drawbacks. While there are options, it is not uncommon for a hotel to pay an initial fee and agency fee.
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    This article gives a solid big picture overview of what GDS is and why is there a need to use a GDS. Also, it tells who are the three major players and what are the associated costs of using a GDS.
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    This article signifies the use and importance of Global Distribution System (GDS) in hotels. GDS is a network that travel agencies are provided with information to help hotels book more. Hotels that target corporate travelers have an advantage using the GDS system. Businesses still turn to travel agents rather than booking directly. The GDS system will give a wide range customer base, more booking and more.
mmoutsatsos

Travelport Delivers New Retailing Tools for Advisors | Travel Agent Central - 0 views

  • Travelport+, with enhanced, modern retailing tools to make it easier for advisors to offer more choice and deliver better service to their clients.
  • Trip Manager portal on Travelport+, offering travelers the ability to service their own trip and carry out fast, easy transactions on the go.
  • Travelport also updated its servicing capabilities to improve airline connectivity and empower advisors to serve travelers more efficiently, with less back-end work.
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  • undergoing an upgrade with better room, rate and rules details as a result of enhanced connectivity with Hilton.
  • Travelport’s desktop tool, Smartpoint, can access a suite of features aimed at simplifying everyday tasks. Enhancements include more customized itinerary quotes in Trip Quote as well as faster Assisted Ticketing capabilities that streamline complex ticketing and exchange tasks for advisors.
  • Travelport+ tools and agency capabilities continues with simplified access to enriched travel content from multiple sources, including NDC (New Distribution Capability) standard content. Travelport says it is the first and only global distribution system (GDS) to sign NDC content distribution deals with three major European airline groups (Air France-KLM, International Airlines Group (IAG) and Lufthansa Group).
  • self-service option for travelers using the new portal allows agencies to preserve resources while offering travelers an improved experience with the ability to easily add extras to their trip, such as adding meals, bags, selecting seats and automatically checking into their flight.
  • Enhanced APIs make it easier for advisors to understand offers and compare brands with similar attributes on a like-for-like basis. Travelport customers will also be able to easily identify upsell offers with NDC and ATPCO fares for a simpler, more modern browsing and shopping experience.
  • Agencies can better manage the hotel bookings they sell with Content Optimizer, a simple self-service rules engine.
  • so agencies can easily create and customize their own content rules.
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    Travelport+ the next-generation GDS platform.
kbroo026

Customer Acceptance of Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality Services: An India... - 0 views

  • Scholars and practitioners alike, backed by strong empirical evidence, attribute this rising trend in the use of AI-related technologies to the fact that AI-driven applications and robots demonstrate superior information processing and enhanced, cognitive and task capabilities when compared to the ones that are demonstrated by traditionally used mechanisms
  • past studies have shown that the factors such as customers’ service quality features, frontline assistance, customers’ expectations of AI devices (Stock & Merkle, 2017), device aesthetics, appearance, perceived usefulness of AI devices and service robots and social capability (Song, 2017) influence the acceptance and adoption of AI devices and the related technologies.
  • customers are likely to accord much importance to the process of appraising AI devices and related technologies by comparing them with the services that human employees are likely to deliver
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  • AI-driven technologies are considered to be intelligent devices; therefore, customers exposed to AI are not expected to learn many new aspects of these devises upfront so as to operate them effectively.
  • Notwithstanding the benefits of AI, it is also probable that an ill-planned transition into AI will lead to unprecedented levels of disruption in the sector if such transition happens without a clear understanding of what facilitates customers’ willingness to accept AI.
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    This study looks at Indian hospitality consumers' willingness to accept AI and its associated technology. Being that hospitality consumers are most interested in "fun and indelible stay experiences," AI for hospitality must provide service as great as or better than human professionals. Over time, it is the conclusion that AI can be welcome by most consumers of hospitality products and services.
amoon008

The robots behind the bar that want to pull your next pint - BBC News - 0 views

    • amoon008
       
      Cecilia was released on 02/24/2021 and uses artificial intelligence to make drinks for guests. Cecilia can be purchased for $45,000 or rented for $2,000/month
  • Proponents of bartending robots also note that they can help bars become more efficient - which, in turn, helps their bottom line.
  • t may venue owners take as a "given."
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  • owners take as a "give
    • amoon008
       
      Alan Adojaan, who unveiled the robot, says that robot bar staff can help address staffing problems, and also put a halt to other factors, such as overly generous pouring of measures, or giving free drinks to friends, issues he says that may venue owners take as a "given."
  • "We are aiming for places that have a huge turnover of clients, such as sports events, festivals or nightclubs," he says
  • One of its Yanu robots is currently making alcohol-free cocktails at the Estonian pavilion at the World Expo event in Dubai.
  • To help affected human bar staff do just this it launched an initiative in the US in 2019, whereby for each sale of one of its units it would give a barman or woman $1,000 (£747) towards helping them retrain.
  • "Robots will not replace traditional [human-staffed] bars," says Jan Hiersemenzel, the head of marketing for Swiss firm F&P Robotics, which makes a robot bar server called Barney Bar
  • The bar staff themselves, he adds, often have the unenviable task of dealing with "obnoxious drunk people"
  • Harry Gordon Johnson once said: "The greatest accomplishment of a bartender lies in his ability to exactly suit his customer."
  • The company says that each unit can be filled with 70 litres of different types of spirits, and that it can serve up to 120 cocktails per hour.
  • Enter Cecilia, a robotic bartender that mixes and serves cocktails, and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to talk to customers in much the same way that Alexa, on an Amazon Echo speaker, or Siri, on an iPhone can respond to you.
  • Customers can either buy a Cecilia for $45,000 (£34,000), or hire one for $2,000 a month.
sydneywolfson

Cloud computing 101: Advantages and disadvantages - 0 views

  • cloud computing is the delivery of on-demand computing resources – everything from applications to data centers
  • Cloud-based applications and data are accessible from virtually any internet-connected device.
  • Hardware failures do not result in data loss because of networked backups.
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  • “utility” pay structure means users pay only for the resources they use.
  • Service providers regularly update offerings to give users the most up-to-date technology.
  • Worldwide access means teams can collaborate from widespread locations.
  • Downtime: This may be one of the worst disadvantages of cloud computing. No cloud provider, even the very best, would claim immunity to service outages. Cloud computing systems are internet based, which means access is fully dependent on internet connection.
  • Cloud computing disadvantages – security and privacy:
  • emote access is the user’s responsibility and, in any case, no system is perfectly secure.
  • Cloud computing disadvantages – vulnerability to attack: In cloud computing, every component is potentially accessible from the internet.
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    This article talked about the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing. Some advantages include the accessibility, savings, security, the world-wide access, the data backups, etc. The disadvantages mentioned were the vulnerability to attack, meaning hackers can potentially access your data from the internet. Also, since cloud computing depends on the internet, there can be issues when the wifi is working properly.
katvillaverde

The forces behind enterprise cloud spending trends | InfoWorld - 0 views

  • However, most companies soon turned bullish on cloud’s role in the new normal of remote work and virtual cloud-based IT. They ended up being right.
  • New forces are at work that will drive the velocity of cloud spending quarter to quarter, and most of those forces are not yet well understood. 
  • The pandemic has highlighted the strategic advantages of cloud computing because cloud can reduce or eliminate many of the risks around the pandemic.
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  • Typical reductions in traditional compute spending are unrelated to those traditional systems being replaced by cloud hosting or software as a service
  • For example, cloud can remove applications and data from enterprise data centers that were vulnerable to quarantine restrictions that companies experienced early in the pandemic.
  • The cloud will continue to grow, although the rate of its growth will vary according to shifts in market priorities
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    The article highlights how global spending on cloud infrastructure has recently picked up since the beginning of the pandemic. Due to COVID-19, many individuals work remotely and there is a bigger market for virtual cloud-based IT. The pandemic has shed light on the strategic advantages of cloud computing. Each quarter, cloud spending will increase but researchers are still studying the forces behind the changes of the velocity of cloud computing and the rate of growth.
mmorr116

Green Computing: The Future of Computing - 1 views

  • The concept of Green Computing has started to gain prominence over the past few years as organizations begin to examine their carbon footprints and the impact they are having on the environment.
  • Green Computing is “Where organizations adopt a policy of ensuring that the setup and operations of Information Technology produces the minimal carbon footprint”.  It is “the study and practice of designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computers, servers, and associated subsystems” in an environmentally friendly and responsible way.
  • Basically, the “green issue’ came about when people realized that the earth was not a boundless resource of energy, minerals and means to support life.
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  • The manufacturers and users of PCs must adapt manage the three key areas; the ‘triple fundamental concerns’ of how the equipment is made and shipped, how the equipment is used and maintained and finally how it is disposed and processed
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    Due to increasing weight being given to to environmental and social impacts of business, greener computing alternatives are becoming more and more attractive. Going green computer-wise includes more than using green materials in production. It also extends to reduction and control of energy during production and use as well as disposal and reuse of devices.
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    Green computing (also known as Green IT) is a concept and/ or action, which was launched in the early 1990's after realizing that the planet is not an endless source of energy. Creating, distributing, maintaining, and most importantly, disposing machinery related to technology has become the focal point of Green IT. So, the "whole life" of the IT equipment plays a vital role concerning its objective/ aim of having a positive impact on the environment. Additionally, targets of this program include curtailing energy consumptions, raising awareness and utilization of green energy, properly disposing equipment, reducing footprint, reuse/ refurbish/ recycle, and more.
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
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  • It can provide an almost immediate access to hardware resources, with little to no upfront capital investment.
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    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.
mmoutsatsos

How (And Why) To Move From A Tech-Enabled Services Business To A True SaaS Platform - 0 views

  • According to Gartner, SaaS, the biggest portion of the cloud market, is expected to grow to $113.1 billion in revenue by 2021.
  • companies are likely wary of undertaking the process of transitioning their organization from a tech-enabled service provider to a true SaaS platform out of concern over the challenges that may arise.
  • it’s unwarranted given the vast resources available to help in the process, including lessons learned from individuals who have experienced (and excelled at) these transitions.
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  • While our team was aware that the potential for things to go wrong existed, they focused on delivering value and service to clients and end users, which was the driving force that motivated the team during and following the process.
  • SaaS benefits users across the board, including compliance, security, scalability, redundancy and cost efficiencies.
  • SaaS solutions offer tremendous savings, from both a cost and human labor perspective.
  • Companies can enjoy flexible pricing models and choose to pay as they go, use a subscription-based model or handpick the features they desire.
  • SaaS subscribers benefit from a more secure, constantly monitored environment and from on-demand rapid development and break-fix protocols.
  • added level of security SaaS models provide around an organization’s proprietary data as well as rapid development and innovation.
  • SaaS solutions create significant efficiencies by enabling self-service and personalization that is driven by the user.
  • Be resolute in the value proposition your customers and end users will experience after transitioning.
  • you must be regimented in communicating the value of making the transition while creating transparency to ensure that clients are informed, heard and happy.
  • • Make customers aware of potential risks. 
  • Be transparent about any drawbacks or material risks customers will experience by sticking with dated infrastructures and approaches.
  • • Don’t be bashful about a sense of urgency.
  • The fear of transition and change was far outweighed by the security and service risks that had previously been invisible to our client base.
  • In today’s complex world, providers must prioritize the needs of their customers as well as mitigate their risks.
  • SaaS solutions are the way of the future, maximizing a client’s benefits as well as their risk mitigation.
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    Why you should move from a Tech-Enabled Service to a SaaS Platform and some things to keep in mind if you do decided to make the transition.
kesca010

Why AI is the Future of the Food Industry | Nasdaq - 1 views

  • several developments that have recently become mainstream: phrases like ‘farm-to-fork’ and ‘buy local,’ organic sections in almost every supermarket, and alternative meats in fast food restaurants are all indicative of rising awareness that food is about more than taste.
  • These changes in food consciousness are important in that they are pushing the conversation towards sustainability.
  • we need to also start looking at the optimization of agriculture as a data management problem. It is precisely here that AI can make a big contribution.
  • ...7 more annotations...
  • AI is a natural ally in this environment, as all forms of machine learning require robust data inputs to be truly effective.
  • Consumer environments play the largest role in lowering food waste, and AI can also help here in some surprising ways.
  • At the top of the list, inventory control systems could make huge improvements if they were enhanced by data tools that were as wide as possible in scope.
  • AI will also be utilized on the manufacturing side to develop products more targeted to consumer demand.
  • AI can provide better monitoring and analysis of how food gets from farms to people, offering predictive metrics for retailers and money-saving incentives for consumers.
  • AI will have a big role to play as people incorporate more of their personal health data into shopping lists that will factor in purchasing history with the global movements described above.
  • Recent developments in machine learning and data management are offering some very promising solutions toward optimizing our food system.
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    This article covers the how AI has played a big role in helping the food industry especially with food waste. This is through inventory control systems, monitoring and providing analysis on how the food gets to farms, predictive metrics, personal health data, and developments in machine learning.
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    This article captures the current and future issues we are having concerning farming, agriculture, supply and demand and so forth. AI can become a valuable asset in helping professionals in these fields work in a more efficient manner regarding to producing more from less. For instance, a drone can be a useful tool in helping farmers understand their crop's condition by taking preventive measures. Furthermore, AI can help forecast the weather and help understand environment related patterns such as floods and atmospheric conditions.
georgemacintyre

No, guests do not require human-provided services in hospitality | PhocusWire - 0 views

  • The classic philosophy in hospitality goes like this: customers – whether leisure, business, corporate group or SMERF members - require services provided by super nice, smiling, well-trained humans.
  • I believe the notion that guests are demanding human-provided services is greatly exaggerated, especially today. A great example of why guests do not care about human-provided services as much as some in our industry think comes from the vacation rental sector.
  • The vast majority of these short-term rental bookings were done online via Airbnb, Vrbo, FlipKey, Vacasa, etc.
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  • Just imagine the whole vacation rental experience: you book online, receive online confirmation and pre-arrival information (directions, keyless entry info, destination info, etc.); upon arrival enter the unit using the mobile key or keyless entry; enjoy your stay; pack your bags and leave on day of departure.
  • All of this while having a completely humanless experience!
  • Five years from now, the hospitality industry won’t be needing half the people it needed back in 2019, and the savings from payroll will mean the investments in next-gen technology will pay for themselves.
  • The ultimate goal imposed on hospitality by the marketplace is simple: do more with fewer employees by using technology and thus reducing the property’s staffing needs by a significant percentage. 
  • So how much human labor would a hotel need in the future? In my view, five years from now, the hospitality industry won’t be needing half the people it needed back in 2019, and the savings from payroll will mean the investments in next-gen technology will pay for themselves.
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    This article portrays the belief that human interaction is very overrated in the hospitality industry. This author believes that rental services such as airbnb are proving that human interaction is unnecessary in hospitality and that hotels are wasting many resources by hiring too many people that technology could do the work for instead.
georgemacintyre

Sandpiper Hospitality chooses grab-and-go technology provider | Hotel Management - 0 views

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    Sandpiper Hospitality has joined on with the self-service grab and go kiosk Impulisfy. This is a technology that is growing rapidly in popularity. It provides an increase in efficiency which is something hospitality companies are always looking for.
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