SPA SOFTWARE PART 4 Software news update A whistle-stop tour of the latest upgrades and system developments ResortSuite goes mobile SpaBooker gets a makeover
Following the launch of its ‘in-Facebook’ booking applica- tion, SpaBooker has announced the release of version 7.4, which includes a new look and feel. T e soſt ware has been restyled from the ground up to introduce a more modern design and the new version has extra functionality, includ- ing pre-set booking times and a ‘lock staff to room’ option. T ere have also been signifi cant changes in the equip-
ment used to host SpaBooker, as COO, Daniel Lizio-Katzen, explains: “Over the last month we’ve upgraded all our hard- ware – the new equipment has increased the speed and capacity of the SpaBooker platform. We’ve also worked with experts in database architecture to fi ne-tune our systems for better performance. In simple terms, our aim is not only to
be the most dependable spa soſt ware, but also the fastest.” ■
www.spa-booker.com
Book4Time adds retail and social media
Book4Time has signed two deals to bring third party soſt ware alongside its platform. T e fi rst, with Shopify, will enable spas using its soſt ware to retail products through Shopi- fy’s online platform. T e second, with Sprout Social, brings social media controls to the Book4Time package. T e company has cho- sen to partner for these elements rather than writing them itself, so there are extra charges associated with using them. Shopify provides a number of ecommerce
tools including a storefront with a variety of themes to choose from, a shopping cart and checkout, its own Shopify iPhone app and more than 70 payment options. Visually the shopfront is customisable using HTML and CSS. Shopify hosts 15,000 online retailers. “We selected Shopify as it has built a simple,
intuitive product for our independent loca- tions, while being 100 per cent customisable for clients with more extensive requirements,” says John McDonald, COO of Book4Time. Book4Time’s deal with Sprout Social sees
it integrating with a suite of social media management tools to enable spa operators to control their social media presence from one platform and fi nd new, targeted customers with local search functionality. T e system also enables spas to monitor their brand across social media and the web. Social Sprout integrates with Twitter,
Facebook, LinkedIn, Foursquare and in addition to communication tools, it off ers contact management, competitive insight,
lead generation and analytics. ■
www.book4time.com
70 Read Spa Business online
spabusiness.com / digital
ResortSuite is the latest company to announce the launch of mobile function- ality to provide spas with the ability to provide guests with real-time itineraries for individual and group activities and interactive information around available amenities. Members can review state- ments right down to itemised bills. ‘‘ResortSuite Mobile pushes our guest-
centric vision to the palm of a guest’s hand”, says Frank Pitsikalis, ResortSuite CEO. “Spa operators now have the ability to provide dynamic content such as dining and spa menus, as well as real-time access to guests’ reservations and group events. We’re leveraging the power of mobile computing, like the iPhone, to deliver a
richer, more engaged guest experience.” ■
www.resortsuite.com
Premier launches
yapps.com
Premier Software has announced its new venture –
yapps.com, an online spa directory designed to drive clients to the spa’s appointment book. T e real-time service is free for Premier clients. Over 65,000 UK spas and salons have
already been listed on the site. Cus- tomers can do keyword and postcode searches and are then directed to a list of businesses that match their criteria. Each spa has its own page within the directory containing a profi le, location map, images, details of opening hours, client feedback and links to their website and social media feeds. Premier’s web booking clients can take online book- ings directly from their listing. Premier’s MD, Robert Miles, says:
‘‘We’re excited about introducing this service and the benefi ts it will bring to the industry. T e
yapps.com directory is all about raising brand awareness and
generating new business.’’ ■
www.premiersoſt
ware.co.uk
SPA BUSINESS 4 2011 ©Cybertrek 2011
PHOTO:
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/HOLBOX
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