Der Alte Fritz
14-10-2009, 07:59 PM
These are computer systems that allow you to update a large number of websites with your availability by just inputting it into one system rather than logging onto each and every individual website. Some may update GDS (the travel agent communications system) as well. They fall into two broad categories:
1) Combined Systems
These are channel manager systems which are included with your PMS/Online booking system (PMS is your booking diary on your computer in short).
(a) Some allow your availability and rates to be different from the ones on your own website, examples include iBex, Guestline(Roomlynx), HotelLinx.
(b) Others are simpler and what you see on your site is the same as all your channels/agents sites see. Examples are Eviivo and Guestlink.
2) Standalone Systems
These just manage your channels and availability and bookings need to be manually transferred between your PMS system (ie your diary) and your channel manager. I know several large hotels who do exactly that so it is not uncommon - usually done by the night porter! Examples include Travelclick, Siteminder, Ratetiger, Ezyield, Booking Booster, Channel Rush, etc
This is a slightly arcane subject for the average guest house but I do know owners who use them and hotel have strange beings called Channel Revenue Managers who do nothing else.
Does anyone have any experience of these, tales to tell, etc?
1) Combined Systems
These are channel manager systems which are included with your PMS/Online booking system (PMS is your booking diary on your computer in short).
(a) Some allow your availability and rates to be different from the ones on your own website, examples include iBex, Guestline(Roomlynx), HotelLinx.
(b) Others are simpler and what you see on your site is the same as all your channels/agents sites see. Examples are Eviivo and Guestlink.
2) Standalone Systems
These just manage your channels and availability and bookings need to be manually transferred between your PMS system (ie your diary) and your channel manager. I know several large hotels who do exactly that so it is not uncommon - usually done by the night porter! Examples include Travelclick, Siteminder, Ratetiger, Ezyield, Booking Booster, Channel Rush, etc
This is a slightly arcane subject for the average guest house but I do know owners who use them and hotel have strange beings called Channel Revenue Managers who do nothing else.
Does anyone have any experience of these, tales to tell, etc?