News for the Hospitality Executive |
. PCI Compliance, Direct Website Bookings and Web-Based Training are Essential for Success in 2010 and Beyond |
PCI Compliance is Your Future – Is Your System Ready? Founded by the major credit card companies, the PCI Security Standards Council sets the compliance guidelines that all merchants must meet prior to the dates imposed by the credit card companies. Failure to meet these deadlines, including the July 1, 2010 date common for all hotel applications to be certified, will result in significant financial penalties to merchants. With penalties for non-compliance looming, operators are focused on the steps to be taken to reach conformity with PCI standards. Also focused on the PCI requirements are many property management system providers that placed PCI functionality as the cornerstone of their coming system upgrades. PMSes must conform to another standard set by the PCI Council, called PA-DSS. The down-side for hotel operators is that many tech vendors are charging a substantial upgrade fee for the PA-DSS versions that operators must implement to meet PCI requirements. NORTHWIND takes the data security standards of its Maestro system very seriously. It is committed to working with its clients and partners to ensure the most secure operating environment possible that helps operators meet PCI requirements. NORTHWIND supports its clients’ PCI strategy with the newest version of the Maestro Property Management Suite. It is PA-DSS certified and ready to be a key part of its clients' PCI responsibilities. This PA-DSS upgrade comes at no cost to users under Maestro Diamond Plus service offering. NORTHWIND also provides PCI audit assistance from its professional service staff to assist users. NORTHWIND’s team members are knowledgeable on the PCI guidelines and are ready to help operators achieve full compliance by the July 1, 2010 deadline. Online Training: Essential to Future Staff Productivity At a time when maximum productivity and efficiency are essential, staff turnover has never been higher or more costly. Managers who are continuously occupied with staff training cannot give their full attention to operating a profitable, well-run hotel. Likewise, employees who do not understand their job or the tools they use will not be productive. This is why NORTHWIND developed a comprehensive syllabus of flexible Web-based training options that enables hotel employees to gain proficiency with Maestro. Today’s next-gen hotel employees learn quickly on digital media, and Web-based training is their preferred learning medium. With Diamond Plus Service, staff can access free resources 24/7 to gain knowledge and skills whenever they have the time. Employees who are confident of their abilities have a higher level of job satisfaction and provide better service, which reduces turnover and increases productivity and property profitability. Maestro’s Diamond Plus Service includes:
Hotels need their own website booking engine to engage travelers as they plan their trips, and to connect with guests to build loyalty and capture the sales directly! Maestro's 'Web Connection' online booking software suite featuring ResWave booking engine is fully integrated with the Maestro PMS. This enables operators to launch comprehensive online marketing and sales strategies with real-time availability and dynamic packages that let guests up-sell themselves. The system also delivers group rooming list booking functions, and Maestro integrated Yield Management to maximize revenue. Secure Your Property’s Future Today For operators who are mapping a PCI strategy, evaluating their property’s legacy systems and keeping a sharp eye on their operating budget, it is the ideal time to evaluate all options. The Maestro Property Management Suite is used by over 865 properties worldwide. NORTHWIND invites operators to speak with its users and its professional team members to learn how Maestro can secure their property’s future. If you are attending the New York IHMR Show, please visit the Maestro team at Booth 3056 For a demo of the Maestro ‘Web Connection’ Suite featuring the ResWave Booking Engine, please contact the NORTHWIND-Maestro team at 1.888.667.8488 or email [email protected] Follow NORTHWIND-Maestro on Maestro Property Management Solution Enhance guest service, improve efficiency and maximize online and offline revenue with Maestro PMS, the industry's most robust and flexible solution empowering leading full-service hotels, luxury resorts, multi-property groups, conference centers, condominiums and timeshare properties. Solutions include Front Office (PMS), Accounts Receivable, Analytics and Business Intelligence, Sales and Catering, Multi-Property Management, Condo & Timeshare Owner Management with Web Functionality, Spa and Activities, Web Booking Engine, Real-Time Yield Management, Dynamic Packaging Golf CRM, Guest Experience Measurement, CRO, GDS Two-Way XML Connectivity or Integration, Membership, Work Orders, Fine Dining and Retail POS, Online Table Reservations with Web Booking, Concierge and Guest Experience Measurement. The Maestro PMS is database independent (ODBC Compliant) and may be deployed via Windows, UNIX, Linux, Terminal Services, hosted and Web platforms. About NORTHWIND – Maestro PMS NORTHWIND is recognized in the hospitality industry for its “standard setting” Diamond Plus Service and robust integrated Maestro technology. With over 30 years of experience dedicated to developing technology solutions for the hospitality industry, NORTHWIND is a partner who understands that you need a scalable and flexible PMS that works the way you do. Maestro applications are engineered for operators who need to manage their enterprise in a real-time environment for the utmost operational efficiency, productivity, control and profitability. |
Contact
Ivana Johnston - Sales & Marketing Phone: 905-940-1923 Toll Free: 1-888-667-8488 Email: [email protected] www.maestropms.com/HOL NORTHWIND - Maestro PMS Ltd – EMEA, UK Media Contact: |