Book Review

In Technology Strategies for the Hospitality Industry (Pearson, 2005) authors Peter Nyheim, Francis McFadden and Daniel Connolly take a comprehensive look at the technology choices that now confront the hotel industry. As the authors note, IT has moved from "cost containment" to focusing on more "knowledge-based systems that can help drive revenues and create a competitive advantage." IT, they add is now a "key element in delivery exceptional guest services."

Although an academic book in style, the authors make a concerted effort to ground the technology discussions in the real world. Chapters on e-commerce, restaurant management, PMS, GDS, databases and networking among others do not assume a high-level of knowledge and try to walk hoteliers through the process of deciding on relevant technologies. Through case studies and interviews the book attempts to treat similar topics in varied ways to help relate the information.

More interviews with hotel CIOs would have helped make the book even more accessible, but the multifaceted approach does provide a unique perspective on IT issues. The book's comprehensiveness will serve well as a guide for students, but many hotel IT directors may also find it indispensable.