Hotel Operators Focus on PCI to Secure Their Future
PCI Compliance, Direct Website Bookings and Web-Based Training are Essential for Success in 2010 and Beyond
Markham, ON (PRWEB) November 4, 2009 -- Despite the industry's challenges, many hotel software vendors have added new fees for services, online training programs and PMS hotel software system upgrades, including functionality essential for future property operation. These costly fees are proving to be a wake-up call for savvy hotel operators looking for new hotel management systems. NORTHWIND- Maestro offers new ways to secure operators' future with the latest Web-booking, revenue-generating and productivity tools far beyond those available in legacy PMS platforms and backed by NORTHWIND's unparalleled industry leading Diamond Plus Service.
PCI Compliance is the Future
Founded by major credit card companies, the PCI Security Standards Council sets the compliance guidelines all merchants must meet prior to 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 looming, operators are focused on the steps to be taken to meet PCI standards. Also focused on the PCI requirements are many PMS providers with PCI functionality as the cornerstone of their 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 seriously and is committed to working with clients and partners to ensure the most secure operating environment possible to meet PCI requirements. To support its clients' PCI strategy, the newest version of the Maestro Property Management Suite is PA-DSS certified and ready to be a key part of hotel operators' PCI responsibilities. NORTHWIND's PA-DSS upgrade comes at no cost to users under Maestro's Diamond Plus service offering. The company also provides PCI audit assistance from its professional service staff. NORTHWIND's team is knowledgeable on the PCI guidelines and ready to help operators achieve full compliance by July 1, 2010.
Online Training: Essential to Future Staff Productivity
Maximum productivity and efficiency are essential today, but staff turnover has never been higher or more costly. Managers who are continuously occupied with staff training cannot give their attention to operating a profitable hotel. Likewise, employees who do not understand their job or their tools are not 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. 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:
| | - On Demand Live 1-on-1 Refresher and Advanced Training
- Maestro for Beginners Education Program
- Self-Paced E-Learning Webinars & Tutorials
- Live Training Webinars
- Transition Assistance
- Professional Maestro Productivity Audit
- 24/7 North-American Based Support + Live Chat.
| Direct Website Bookings Reduce Costs & Maximize Revenue from Every Transaction
Hotels need their own website booking engine to engage travelers as they plan 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 and enables operators to launch comprehensive online marketing and sales strategies with real-time availability, and dynamic packages that let guests up-sell themselves, and Maestro integrated Yield Management to maximize revenue.
Secure a Game Plan, Assess Alternatives
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.
Please visit the Maestro team at Booth 3056 at the New York IHMR Show.
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 info (at) maestropms (dot) com.
Follow NORTHWIND-Maestro on Twitter @maestropms.
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 experience dedicated to developing technology solutions for the hospitality industry, NORTHWIND is a partner who understands you need a scalable, 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:
NORTHWIND - Maestro PMS, North America
Ivana Johnston - Sales & Marketing
8300 Woodbine Avenue, 5th floor
Markham, ON L3R 9Y7
Canada
Phone: 905-940-1923
Toll Free: 1-888-667-8488
Email: info (at) maestropms (dot) com
www.maestropms.com/HOL?Campaign=PRWebSecureFutureNov42009
NORTHWIND - Maestro PMS Ltd - EMEA, UK
David Warren - Director of Services & Sales
Phone: +44 (0)7877 005080
Email: david.warren (at) maestropms (dot) com
www.maestropms.com/HOL?Campaign=PRWebSecureFutureNov42009
Media Contact:
Julie Keyser-Squires, APR
Softscribe Inc.
180 River Springs Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30328
Phone: (404)256-5512
Email: Julie (at) softscribeinc (dot) com
http://www.softscribeinc.com
http://www.marketingsnacks.com
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