Unlike the traditional local server Windows PMS implementation, these web based alternatives require very little hardware infrastructure at the property level. In most cases, all that is required is a Windows based PC (98 or better) with high speed Internet access (HSIA). The usual complexities of desktop processing speed, printer access, network infrastructure, and server sizing and implementation are no longer a concern or a cost. Hoteliers selecting web based PMS applications are making use of existing equipment and saving big on new hardware purchases.

Web based applications, and the companies that offer them, can provide the hoteliers the traditional comfort of "ownership of their data", without the ongoing IT complexities of managing their own system. Off site hosting is now very inexpensive and makes sense for even the smallest of hotel properties.  Hotels can choose their own hosting company and feel comfortable that their data is secure and protected as well as all of the on-going backup, maintenance, database and hardware concerns being expertly managed.

For many of these reasons, Ramesys, an industry leader in the development of PMS solutions for over 20 years, has seen a significant increase in both chain and independent customers preferring a web based implementation of their PMS offerings. According to Rick Kennedy, CEO of Ramesys Hospitality Inc, "The maturity of the Internet, the reliability of high speed Internet access and the development of our own ultra thin client are all factors that have lead to the trend of our customers choosing web based implementations of our PMS solutions over the traditional local server implementation approach. Using today's readily available technology, we have decreased the traditional IT burden and cost to our customers tremendously and allowed them to refocus themselves on exactly what they have always wanted to do, the management of their own businesses."

In one such customer example, the Best Western Soldiers Field in Rochester, MN, a 214 room full service, group and Fully Inclusive Tours (FIT) property, installed a 17-user license of the web based Entirety Enterprise Suite from Ramesys, consisting of Front Office, Sales and Catering, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and web reservation modules.  For this particular property, Ramesys made the hosting arrangements on behalf of the customer at a secure, professional off site hosting facility local to their head offices in New Jersey.  Property level access and operation of the system has been very reliable and lightening fast. 

"As a web based hosted solution, the Entirety Enterprise Suite shifts the responsibility of managing computer hardware away from us and back to the experts. As a result, Soldiers Field has been able to focus on managing our hotel while Ramesys helps manage our IT," said Myron Salz, general manager and owner at the property.

The multi-property Entirety solution is also one that is well suited and being implemented at the corporate level as a hosted solution for many hotel chains.  In addition to the benefits described above for all hosted solutions, as a chain, the benefits would further include:

• A single guest profile across all properties
• Centralized reporting and analysis
• Cross booking capability at the property level
• Centralized web booking (option) across all properties
• Centralized AR (option)
• Centralized direct eMail and guest retention programs.

Ramesys focuses on providing high-quality software applications to the hospitality industry.  Its product range includes property management and central reservation systems, data warehouses, PBX telephone systems, voice mail, and call accounting.  Delivering solutions to the hotel industry for over 20 years, Ramesys has systems installed in over 4,000 hotels worldwide.  Contact them at 800 RAMESYS alternatively visit them on the web at www.us.ramesys.com