Retail, Grocery, And Hospitality IT News For VARs — January 12, 2015
By Phillip Britt, contributing writer
In the news, research shows there are fewer cyberattacks, but the amount of data stolen from each has grown. Also, articles include an example of the trend toward digital concierge services and an opinion that until Internet of Things (IoT) devices work together, the hype falls flat.
Fewer Cyberattacks, But More Data Taken Each Time
According to MSPmentor, IBM has found that while there are fewer actual cyber intrusions, the amount of data procured is at a record high. When IBM looked at data from the last year and narrowed it down to less than 10 million compromised records, which excluded the large breaches at Target and Home Depot, the company found that there was a 43 percent increase in stolen data from the previous year. Cybercriminals have become craftier in their intrusions, needing less targets to siphon more data.
Hotel Offers Digital Concierge
According to Travel Pulse, the Warwick Melrose Hotel is an example of the trend to add a digital concierge service, an addition to the digital reader boards and interactive touch screens already in place in the lobby. This digital concierge, which will be offered via an app developed by Monscierge, puts guests in contact with hotel personal so questions can be answered and needs can be met. Guests can use the app to text staff for amenities and services while those using the hotel for meetings and conferences can use the app to request IT help and lighting changes.
Too Soon For IoT?
Richard Quinnell writes for EDN Network that the Internet of things (IoT) was overhyped at the Consumer Electronics Show. While IoT vendors and many consumers are all about these new smart devices, Quinnell feels differently. If an IoT is to be worthwhile, all of the devices need to connect to one another to create their own Internet, he explained. Quinnell pointed to Samsung’s CEO Boo-Keun Yoon’s CES remarks that a true ecosystem needs to emerge for these devices to work together. Until then, the hype falls flat and the devices cannot do what they are meant to.
Retail, Grocery, And Hospitality IT Talking Points
According to the Baltimore Sun, the Wendy’s franchise of Maryland, Virginia and D.C. is attempting opt out of the company’s mandated purchase of advanced POS terminals and is facing a lawsuit because of it. Wendy’s International LLC is attempting to strip DavCo Restaurant LLC and DavCo Acquisition Holdings Inc. of their franchise. As of July 1, all Wendy’s locations are to have installed the new POS terminals however it seems that DavCo’s restaurants feel the requirement does not pertain to them, according to the lawsuit. Additionally, Wendy’s requires restaurants to update every five years, but DavCo has not.
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