http://www.hospitalityupgrade.com/_magazine/magazine_Detail.asp?ID=243
Rite Emmer, In Their Words...CIOs Love/Hate Relationship with Technology, Hospitality Upgrade, October 2007.
This article is about all of the latest technologies that are being used by the CIOs in the hospitality business. All of the CIOs had different opinions on what they like and what they don’t like about the current and future technologies being used by themselves and by the employees. PDAs were one of the biggest items discussed. While they are an excellent way to contact the person without having to wait for him or her to be paged or tracked down, they are also hated by many for the very same reason. It is efficient to get a hold of the person when you need them. However, it is just as bad to be constantly badgered because you are available 24 hours a day, every day. CIOs find that they sometimes cannot get away from their work world. Despite that, it is believed that PDAs will one day replace laptop, which have the same capabilities as a PDA, but with shorter battery life. Also discussed was VoIP. Although this is a hot new technology on the market, CIOs are still disappointed by the imperfections of the quality. In this business, the perfect details of communication are a key factor. Lastly, CIOs mentioned that they are involved with some sort of professional podcast or blog.
It was interesting to read about how the CIOs felt about technology in the present and upcoming future. I have never owned a PDA, but I’m sure that once I enter the business world, it will become necessary. It is an extremely useful device to stay on top of things, no matter where you are. However, I agree about the constant availability issue. People need a break from work to enjoy some guaranteed leisure and family time. If I ever do get a PDA, I think that I would like to turn it off after I leave work so that any incoming calls will be sent directly to my voicemail, where I can screen whether the matter needs immediate attending to or if it can wait till tomorrow. I was disappointed to read that VoIP is not of a great quality yet. I feel that with as advanced as technology is now, it should have been perfected by now. It is a wonderful way to communicate and I hope that it will soon be completely satisfactory for the industry’s needs. I think its weird that businesspeople are using professional podcasts and blogs. I suppose that’s because I’m used to them being used by the younger generations for entertainment purposes, rather than professional uses.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Energy Savings - Why These Tips Work
Griswold, Geoff. Energy Savings - Why These Tips Work. Hospitality Upgrade. 10/1/2007. https://mycourses.udel.edu/SCRIPT/HRIM450_050_07F/scripts/student/serve_page.pl/HRIM450_050_07F/assignments/blog_assignment.htm?1156632400+1159553273+OFF+resources.htm+
Some hotels are very concerned about energy management and other hotels couldn’t care less about the government’s pleas for a cleaner environment. Technology developments have made energy efficiency not only possible, but also cheaper. Heating and lighting are the two biggest energy costs for hotels. The next two biggest costs are air conditioning and base load, which includes all appliances and motors. Lighting makes up almost 30 percent of the energy costs. Griswold describes the science between an old incandescent bulb and a new fluorescent bulb. Fluorescent bulbs cost $0.33 cents per year, which is much cheaper compared to $0.60 cents per year for an incandescent bulb. Additionally fluorescent bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Hotels should also take preventative maintenance into consideration. Heating and cooling coils should remain clean to prevent the compressor from having to do extra work.
Digital thermostats are another energy saving device. They are more accurate than analog thermostats. When used along with motion sensors, a hotel may save up to 25 percent on heating and cooling costs.
By applying these energy saving devices, hotels can conserve a considerable amount of energy. The more devices that are applied, the more energy and money that will be saved by the hotel.
I am very interested in the issue of going green and energy conservation. This article was interesting to read because not only did it discuss the different devices available for energy conservation, but it discussed why these devices worked better than others. I never knew the difference between how an incandescent bulb glowed and how a fluorescent bulb glowed. I didn’t know that there are two different kinds of thermometers, analog and digital. Also, I would not have guessed that the two different thermometers would make a difference in energy conservation. I was impressed with the amount of effort that the author put in to thoroughly explaining just how the devices worked, rather than assuming that the readers already know such a vast amount of information about technology. Accordingly, I feel like I enjoyed reading this article much more than any of the past articles that I have read for these blog assignments.
I hope that some day in the future, all hotels will have made an honest effort to conserve energy. Not only will it save the condition of our own environment, but it will save them money. It also looks good to concerned possible guests when a hotel is going out of their way to work for a better cause. I would choose an energy efficient hotel over a wasteful hotel, just as I would choose a pink breast cancer pen that donates a portion of the sales over a blue pen that keeps all of the profit.
Some hotels are very concerned about energy management and other hotels couldn’t care less about the government’s pleas for a cleaner environment. Technology developments have made energy efficiency not only possible, but also cheaper. Heating and lighting are the two biggest energy costs for hotels. The next two biggest costs are air conditioning and base load, which includes all appliances and motors. Lighting makes up almost 30 percent of the energy costs. Griswold describes the science between an old incandescent bulb and a new fluorescent bulb. Fluorescent bulbs cost $0.33 cents per year, which is much cheaper compared to $0.60 cents per year for an incandescent bulb. Additionally fluorescent bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Hotels should also take preventative maintenance into consideration. Heating and cooling coils should remain clean to prevent the compressor from having to do extra work.
Digital thermostats are another energy saving device. They are more accurate than analog thermostats. When used along with motion sensors, a hotel may save up to 25 percent on heating and cooling costs.
By applying these energy saving devices, hotels can conserve a considerable amount of energy. The more devices that are applied, the more energy and money that will be saved by the hotel.
I am very interested in the issue of going green and energy conservation. This article was interesting to read because not only did it discuss the different devices available for energy conservation, but it discussed why these devices worked better than others. I never knew the difference between how an incandescent bulb glowed and how a fluorescent bulb glowed. I didn’t know that there are two different kinds of thermometers, analog and digital. Also, I would not have guessed that the two different thermometers would make a difference in energy conservation. I was impressed with the amount of effort that the author put in to thoroughly explaining just how the devices worked, rather than assuming that the readers already know such a vast amount of information about technology. Accordingly, I feel like I enjoyed reading this article much more than any of the past articles that I have read for these blog assignments.
I hope that some day in the future, all hotels will have made an honest effort to conserve energy. Not only will it save the condition of our own environment, but it will save them money. It also looks good to concerned possible guests when a hotel is going out of their way to work for a better cause. I would choose an energy efficient hotel over a wasteful hotel, just as I would choose a pink breast cancer pen that donates a portion of the sales over a blue pen that keeps all of the profit.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
A Farewell to Arms, and Anything Else that Isn't Properly Secured
Schubach, Michael. (2007, June 1). A Farewell to Arms, and Anything Else that Isn’t Properly Secured. Hospitality Upgrade.
http://www.hospitalityupgrade.com/_magazine/magazine_Detail.asp?ID=104
Bank robbers have gotten it easier with the advance of technology. It is now easier than ever to transfer money without permission. While it may seem obvious not to send personal information to emails begging for money or claiming to need to fix your username, many businesses are spreading their information recklessly. This information can be accessed and collected by possible thieves. In Moscow, a hacker will sell six Id’s with passwords for $350. First a robber will infect the internet with malware (malicious software), such as a Trojan horse. These programs must be able to overcome or confuse the protective software. These programs will now record every keystroke and send it to the robber. This thief can now log on to the website and enter the information given to him or her. Money can be withdrawn or transferred before the original owner even knew their information was stolen. These robbers find businessmen by posting on sites such as monster.com or careers.com.
Most people believe that their money will instantly be replaced. However, banks are not willing to do this until it is proven that the money was in fact stolen by another individual. Once the money is transferred to another country, many people must simply accept that they will not be getting it back.
“Mules” are used to transfer the money. They are the people who respond to the “make your money at home” ads. The robber has them receive and then transfer the money to an overseas location as quickly as possible. By time the FBI traces them, the money laundering plan has already been completed.
Unfortunately, these occurrences don’t affect the Russian government directly, so they are very unwilling to find a solution to the problem. Their citizens are not hurt through the transactions and the mafia remains active enough to avoid intervention with the police.
In order to avoid this issue, businessmen should use their own computers, making sure that the protective software is up-to-date and effective. Passwords should be changed daily to avoid the use of stolen Ids with accompanying passwords. Financial statements should also be read regularly to catch theft as soon as possible.
This was a very interesting article to read. Although we are always hearing about identity theft and the dangers of viruses stealing our information over the internet, it never occurred to me just how real this danger is. I was shocked a little worried to find out that there are sites where anybody can simply purchase Id’s and passwords for such a low price. Most financial accounts hold large sums of money that families and businesses solely rely on. If this money is stolen and transferred overseas, it would be devastating to learn that the sums cannot be recovered. Although I am always seeing commercials and ads about guaranteed replacement by banks, I was not aware that I had to be able to prove that I had not taken the money. This seems like a near impossible task if the money is stolen by an unknown robber over the internet and is transferred to another country where the government is not even willing to help the situation. The precautions listed in the last paragraph seem like too simple of a solution to thwart such sneaky thieves, however most people don’t even bother to follow those fast and simple steps. I personally know that I never change my password and I definitely don’t check my accounts regularly. After reading this article, I will definitely begin to take smarter steps in ensuring my account and information’s safety.
http://www.hospitalityupgrade.com/_magazine/magazine_Detail.asp?ID=104
Bank robbers have gotten it easier with the advance of technology. It is now easier than ever to transfer money without permission. While it may seem obvious not to send personal information to emails begging for money or claiming to need to fix your username, many businesses are spreading their information recklessly. This information can be accessed and collected by possible thieves. In Moscow, a hacker will sell six Id’s with passwords for $350. First a robber will infect the internet with malware (malicious software), such as a Trojan horse. These programs must be able to overcome or confuse the protective software. These programs will now record every keystroke and send it to the robber. This thief can now log on to the website and enter the information given to him or her. Money can be withdrawn or transferred before the original owner even knew their information was stolen. These robbers find businessmen by posting on sites such as monster.com or careers.com.
Most people believe that their money will instantly be replaced. However, banks are not willing to do this until it is proven that the money was in fact stolen by another individual. Once the money is transferred to another country, many people must simply accept that they will not be getting it back.
“Mules” are used to transfer the money. They are the people who respond to the “make your money at home” ads. The robber has them receive and then transfer the money to an overseas location as quickly as possible. By time the FBI traces them, the money laundering plan has already been completed.
Unfortunately, these occurrences don’t affect the Russian government directly, so they are very unwilling to find a solution to the problem. Their citizens are not hurt through the transactions and the mafia remains active enough to avoid intervention with the police.
In order to avoid this issue, businessmen should use their own computers, making sure that the protective software is up-to-date and effective. Passwords should be changed daily to avoid the use of stolen Ids with accompanying passwords. Financial statements should also be read regularly to catch theft as soon as possible.
This was a very interesting article to read. Although we are always hearing about identity theft and the dangers of viruses stealing our information over the internet, it never occurred to me just how real this danger is. I was shocked a little worried to find out that there are sites where anybody can simply purchase Id’s and passwords for such a low price. Most financial accounts hold large sums of money that families and businesses solely rely on. If this money is stolen and transferred overseas, it would be devastating to learn that the sums cannot be recovered. Although I am always seeing commercials and ads about guaranteed replacement by banks, I was not aware that I had to be able to prove that I had not taken the money. This seems like a near impossible task if the money is stolen by an unknown robber over the internet and is transferred to another country where the government is not even willing to help the situation. The precautions listed in the last paragraph seem like too simple of a solution to thwart such sneaky thieves, however most people don’t even bother to follow those fast and simple steps. I personally know that I never change my password and I definitely don’t check my accounts regularly. After reading this article, I will definitely begin to take smarter steps in ensuring my account and information’s safety.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Four Things You May Not Be Thinking About - But Should Be.
Davis, John F. (2007, June 1). Four Things You May Not Be Thinking About – But Should Be. Hospitality Upgrade.
The World Wide Web has dramatically changed the way business is conducting, especially in the hospitality industry. It has increased the competition, requiring hotels to come up with new and unique approaches to stay on top. There are four major changes that hotels should be focusing on to maintain their competitive advantage.
Keynote Systems states that 67 percent of customers make reservations online, compared to the 57 percent that book over the phone. These customers are certain to look around and take a virtual tour of your hotel. The pictures and virtual tours should show modern technology with a clean, up-to-date style. Images of the amenities should also be included. Potential customers will want to see the best offers available and be able to picture themselves actually sleeping in the bed or eating at the restaurant. If this information is not available online, or is not available in a number of languages, the hotel will lose guests. In order to please guests that do make a reservation, their stay should be very much like what they pictures while looking online. An inconsistency between the rooms pictured and the actual rooms given will cause a great disappointment for the guest. Technology also can manage rates more affectively. This will ultimately generate more revenue for the hotel. Guests have become increasingly more demanding, about everything from prices to brands to recognition. Loyal customers want special treatment and hotels need to do everything possible to meet their expectations and keep their loyalty. Lastly, the hotel needs to reach their potential guests through personal websites, rather than GDS’s. This can be done be creating special deals and making surfing easier.
I agree that the best way to reach a potential customer is through the internet. All of the younger generations and even a percentage of the elderly are online-savvy and find the internet to be the most convenient way to find a hotel in a good location. It is also an excellent way to view the different rates available for the different rooms types and locations, and make a decision on what is best for their wants and needs. I also agree that customers need to be able to look around on the website and get a feel for the hotel. I personally would prefer a themed hotel over a comfortable home-like one, and the only way to really be able to know ahead of time is to see a variety of images or take a virtual tour. A virtual tour is also nice from the hotel’s standpoint because it offers the opportunity to include a voice over that sells the wonderful features of the hotel and convinces the guest that this is the place for them. The voice is a good way to include additional information instead of having everything only available in type, which can be boring for the guest. It works like a free commercial, and is an additional tactic to keep the guests visiting the personal webpage rather than Expedia or Sabre.
The World Wide Web has dramatically changed the way business is conducting, especially in the hospitality industry. It has increased the competition, requiring hotels to come up with new and unique approaches to stay on top. There are four major changes that hotels should be focusing on to maintain their competitive advantage.
Keynote Systems states that 67 percent of customers make reservations online, compared to the 57 percent that book over the phone. These customers are certain to look around and take a virtual tour of your hotel. The pictures and virtual tours should show modern technology with a clean, up-to-date style. Images of the amenities should also be included. Potential customers will want to see the best offers available and be able to picture themselves actually sleeping in the bed or eating at the restaurant. If this information is not available online, or is not available in a number of languages, the hotel will lose guests. In order to please guests that do make a reservation, their stay should be very much like what they pictures while looking online. An inconsistency between the rooms pictured and the actual rooms given will cause a great disappointment for the guest. Technology also can manage rates more affectively. This will ultimately generate more revenue for the hotel. Guests have become increasingly more demanding, about everything from prices to brands to recognition. Loyal customers want special treatment and hotels need to do everything possible to meet their expectations and keep their loyalty. Lastly, the hotel needs to reach their potential guests through personal websites, rather than GDS’s. This can be done be creating special deals and making surfing easier.
I agree that the best way to reach a potential customer is through the internet. All of the younger generations and even a percentage of the elderly are online-savvy and find the internet to be the most convenient way to find a hotel in a good location. It is also an excellent way to view the different rates available for the different rooms types and locations, and make a decision on what is best for their wants and needs. I also agree that customers need to be able to look around on the website and get a feel for the hotel. I personally would prefer a themed hotel over a comfortable home-like one, and the only way to really be able to know ahead of time is to see a variety of images or take a virtual tour. A virtual tour is also nice from the hotel’s standpoint because it offers the opportunity to include a voice over that sells the wonderful features of the hotel and convinces the guest that this is the place for them. The voice is a good way to include additional information instead of having everything only available in type, which can be boring for the guest. It works like a free commercial, and is an additional tactic to keep the guests visiting the personal webpage rather than Expedia or Sabre.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
HotSOS
http://www.hospitalityupgrade.com/_files/File_TechSpotAd/MTechDenihan%20Selects%20HotSOS.pdf
HotSOS Use Growing Exponentially by New York-Based Denihan Hospitality Group, Hospitality Upgrade
Affinia 50, Affinia Manhattan, and Affinia Dumont hotels of the Dumont Hospitality Group have installed the use of HotSOS, an internet-based Hotel Service Optimization System created by MTech. This system is interfaced with the PMS system of the hotel. Guests’ requests are entered into HotSOS, which then relays the request to a wireless device. The staff can instantly respond to the request through the same wireless device, providing for faster and better quality service. HotSOS will then record the requests. This allows the staff to anticipate specific guest requests. Additionally, the staff will also be able to recognize recurring errors within their own hotel as well as enterprise-wide. HotSOS is available as a subscription service with a flat monthly fee. After 2 years of service, Jeffrey Toscano, Corporate Director of Operations for DHG, commended HotSOS’s ability to accurately relay information in an efficient manner, which in turn allows for an immediate correction of the incident. He is pleased with the improved guest satisfaction due to a better understanding of the guest’s needs and values. Luis Segredo, President and Co-Founder of MTech, agreed that HotSOS has been successful in improving guest satisfaction and in keeping the standards that are expected of a luxury hotel.
While I was reading this article, I was initially impressed by the many features of the HotSOS system. In this present day, hotels compete against each other for business by trying to be the fastest and best at pleasing their guests. This wouldn’t be possible without the use of technology. The staff needs to know about an issue as soon as it occurs, if not correct or prevent the issue before it even happens. Technology allows for an immediate and efficient transfer of information, and the HotSOS system is a perfect example of this technology. I think that connecting HotSOS with a wireless device, such as a pager or a cellphone, in order to send information directly to a person who has the device on their person and is available at all times is a brilliant concept. It seems to be the best way to contact the right people who are in charge of getting the job done. Although the system may be expensive to install and maintain, Jeffrey Toscano seems to believe that the return profit justifies the money spent. I was also impressed by HotSOS’s ability to record and provide a complete history of incidents from the entire enterprise of hotels. This is an ingenious way to apply the concept of “learning from others mistakes.” On the other hand, I was curious about how this system compares to other similar systems that are used to relay information and record history. I also would have liked to hear more about how closely the system interfaces with the PMS system.
HotSOS Use Growing Exponentially by New York-Based Denihan Hospitality Group, Hospitality Upgrade
Affinia 50, Affinia Manhattan, and Affinia Dumont hotels of the Dumont Hospitality Group have installed the use of HotSOS, an internet-based Hotel Service Optimization System created by MTech. This system is interfaced with the PMS system of the hotel. Guests’ requests are entered into HotSOS, which then relays the request to a wireless device. The staff can instantly respond to the request through the same wireless device, providing for faster and better quality service. HotSOS will then record the requests. This allows the staff to anticipate specific guest requests. Additionally, the staff will also be able to recognize recurring errors within their own hotel as well as enterprise-wide. HotSOS is available as a subscription service with a flat monthly fee. After 2 years of service, Jeffrey Toscano, Corporate Director of Operations for DHG, commended HotSOS’s ability to accurately relay information in an efficient manner, which in turn allows for an immediate correction of the incident. He is pleased with the improved guest satisfaction due to a better understanding of the guest’s needs and values. Luis Segredo, President and Co-Founder of MTech, agreed that HotSOS has been successful in improving guest satisfaction and in keeping the standards that are expected of a luxury hotel.
While I was reading this article, I was initially impressed by the many features of the HotSOS system. In this present day, hotels compete against each other for business by trying to be the fastest and best at pleasing their guests. This wouldn’t be possible without the use of technology. The staff needs to know about an issue as soon as it occurs, if not correct or prevent the issue before it even happens. Technology allows for an immediate and efficient transfer of information, and the HotSOS system is a perfect example of this technology. I think that connecting HotSOS with a wireless device, such as a pager or a cellphone, in order to send information directly to a person who has the device on their person and is available at all times is a brilliant concept. It seems to be the best way to contact the right people who are in charge of getting the job done. Although the system may be expensive to install and maintain, Jeffrey Toscano seems to believe that the return profit justifies the money spent. I was also impressed by HotSOS’s ability to record and provide a complete history of incidents from the entire enterprise of hotels. This is an ingenious way to apply the concept of “learning from others mistakes.” On the other hand, I was curious about how this system compares to other similar systems that are used to relay information and record history. I also would have liked to hear more about how closely the system interfaces with the PMS system.
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