Today, most hoteliers manage two computerised systems simultaneously. Their Property management system (PMS) lies at the core of hotel management. It links accounting and sales and makes it possible to calculate ratios… they also manage distribution channels. This management is relatively more complex due to the diversity of those involved. With the development of new information and communication technologies, the diversity has in fact multiplied. The appearance of e-commerce deeply upset even the way the flux of clientele is managed.While these interfaces make it possible to avoid tedious data entry on a daily basis, they only intervene on identified online distribution channels with which agreements have been made. “It is a very heterogeneous domain that is constantly evolving and for which we have not yet invented the universal tool. Now it remains to find the right matches. There is no standard model, neither in terms of communication, nor in exchange format,” declares Eric Blat. The entire challenge lies in making the mechanics more fluid and in providing increasingly complete references for existing channels. “The future lies in consolidating the entire functioning of a hotel in the PMS, the pilot of which remains the hotelier,” anticipates Sam Abdou. Today this is still a dream, but it is one that all the major software producers are working on. So much so that hoteliers are using e-commerce in increasing numbers. “All-in-one” is undoubtedly a thing for the future.According to Jean Carel, CEO of the company Topsys, four distribution channels may be distinguished. The first is traditional: hotel reception. The second is the hotel web site that allows the potential client to book online. The third channel is the reservation centre, which is a priority for properties affiliated with an integrated chain or voluntary network. Finally, the last channel brings together Internet distributors in...