The Internet becomes part of the system, not just the network linking systems. This efficient architecture is based on open standards, making it easier for hotels and restaurants to collaborate with suppliers, affiliated properties, their regional and corporate offices, and customers. From a technology acquisition standpoint, the Microsoft .NET Framework will allow hospitality executives to decide whether they want to buy or rent the software that runs their businesses, host it locally or remotely, through a third party. And .NET is the framework that truly will enable hotel and restaurant businesses and their customers to communicate any time, any place, on any device. XML makes it possible for information to travel between trading partners and customers who use different applications, store their data in different databases, operate and access data with different devices, etc.
Easier collaboration means more agility for hoteliers and restaurateurs.
The host could be the hotel management company or a third party. Handheld wireless devices like cell phones and personal digital assistants are increasingly commonplace for travelers and restaurant patrons. In the foreseeable future, it will not be unusual for travelers to check themselves into hotels and for diners to book restaurant reservations via these devices. Hotels and restaurants seeking greater agility are also discovering the utility of handheld wireless devices for staff. As a result of these and other attributes, .NET has the potential to impact all aspects of hotel and restaurant operations, back and front office.