There are two basic approaches to central management: the ASP-system and the HQ-system. Both systems can be combined as required by the business model.
The ASP-solution consists of a central system where all clients (i.e. all properties) access the same database via internet. The server is maintained centrally and high data security must be assured.
Figure 2: ASP-model
In a HQ-solution, each client (i.e. each property) has its own database to work on, which is running on a local server. The server continuously synchronises specific data with the head quarter’s server. One of the advantages of this system is that the hotel is able to continue working without interruption in case of a breakdown of the communication with the central server. As soon as the network becomes available once again, the synchronisation of data continues.
Figure 3: HQ-model showing different HQ-levels