Emerging Trends, Technologies, and Applications

• Pull and push technologies

• Application service provider

Recent trends in software and service distribution include:

pull technology

User states a need before getting information

Entering a URL in a Web browser to go to a certain Web site

push technology (webcasting)

Web server delivers information to users who have signed up for this service Supported by many Web browsers
Also available from vendors
Delivers content to users automatically at set intervals or when a new event occurs

synchronous conferencing

Email

Instant messaging

Examples of push services

Application service providers (ASPs)

Provides access to software or services for a fee

Software as a service (SaaS)

• on-demand software

• Model for ASPs to deliver software to users for a fee

• Software might be for temporary or long-term use

• Users don’t need to be concerned with new software versions and compatibility problem

all, portable

Users can also save ___application data on the ASP’s server

Software and data are ______

vertical market

_______ is a market in which vendors offer goods and services specific to an industry, trade, profession, or other group of customers with specialized needs.

specialized

et A vertical market is a market in which vendors offer goods and services specific to an industry, trade, profession, or other group of customers with __________needs.

real world

Goal of virtual reality (VR):

Create an environment in which users can interact and participate as they do in the _________

VR technology

Uses computer-generated, three-dimensional images to create the illusion of interaction in a real-world environment

three-dimensional

VR technology

Uses computer-generated, ____________ images to create the illusion of interaction in a real-world environment

simulation

Giving objects in a VR environment texture and shading for a 3- D appearance

interaction

Enabling users to act on objects in a VR environment, as by using a data glove to pick up and move objects

immersion

Giving users the feeling of being part of an environment by using special hardware and software

teleprescence

Giving users the sense that they’re in another location ( even one geographically far away) and can manipulate objects as though they’re actually in that location.

full-body immersion

Allowing users to move around freely by combining interactive environments with cameras, monitors, and other devices

networked communication

Allowing users in different locations to interact and manipulate the same world at the same time by connecting two or more virtual worlds.

egocentric environment

Types of Virtual Environment\

• User is totally immersed in the VR world

• Most common technology used with this environment is a head-mounted display (HMD)

exocentric environment

Types of Virtual Environment

• Data is still rendered in 3-D

• Users can only view it onscreen

• Main technology used in this environment is 3-D graphics

Cave automatic virtual environment (CAVE)

Virtual environment consisting of a cube-shaped room in which the walls are rear-projection screen

CAVEs

Holographic devices that create, capture, and display images in true 3-D form

virtual worlds

Simulated environment designed for users to interact via avatars

avatar

2-D or 3-D graphical representation of a person in the virtual world • Used in chat rooms and online game

Front-office applications

Common IT Applications in Hospitality

reservation system, check-in/check-out, room status and housekeeping, in-house guest information and guest accounting.

Back-office applications

Common IT Applications in Hospitality

personnel, purchasing, accounting, inventory, sales and catering and financial reports and statistics.

Guest-related interface applications

Common IT Applications in Hospitality

call-accounting, electronic locking, energy management, guest-operated devices and auxiliary guest services

Restaurant and banquet management systems:

Common IT Applications in Hospitality

menu management, recipe management, sales analysis and forecasting, menu-item pricing and cost control.

Property Management System (PMS)

Handles the core functions of information processing for an accommodation property and is the hub for all interconnectivity with other systems in the hotel

hotel websites

Generate direct sales and provide greater control over inventory than other electronic booking channels

Private branch exchanges (PBX)

controls the connections of hotel telephone calls to the outside world for guests and employees.

Call accounting systems (CAS)

allows the hotel to route and track calls without using the local telephone company

Energy management systems

monitor, control and optimize energy consumption in a hotel;

• can link to ELS to determine whether a room is

occupied and can automatically adjust air conditioning,

lighting and heating;

• infrared body scanners; and

• electronic bedside control panels and mobile apps