10 High-Tech Tools Powering Las Vegas - InformationWeek

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4/15/2016
07:06 AM
Curtis Franklin Jr.
2 comments
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10 High-Tech Tools Powering Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a modern high-tech hub. Casinos depend on technology to keep guests happy -- and honest. Here's a look at some of the tech behind the magic, and the lessons that can pay off big for enterprises.
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MPLS When large companies send data long distances at high speeds, they tend to use Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks to do it. These networks can be of almost any speed, but they will all send data from one router to another based on the shortest, fastest hop available for each packet. And when it comes to moving money and information about money around the globe, casinos want as much speed, reliability, and control as possible. As it turns out, Las Vegas is one of the best places in North America if you want high-speed wide-area networking. For a variety of reasons, some historical and some geographical, backbone cables from just about every top-tier networking company go through Las Vegas, so MPLS connections are not just available, they're available quickly and on a competitive basis. Since the big casino operators are now global corporations, that's a very big deal for a very critical technology. (Image: cybrain/iStockphoto)

MPLS

When large companies send data long distances at high speeds, they tend to use Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks to do it. These networks can be of almost any speed, but they will all send data from one router to another based on the shortest, fastest hop available for each packet. And when it comes to moving money and information about money around the globe, casinos want as much speed, reliability, and control as possible.

As it turns out, Las Vegas is one of the best places in North America if you want high-speed wide-area networking. For a variety of reasons, some historical and some geographical, backbone cables from just about every top-tier networking company go through Las Vegas, so MPLS connections are not just available, they're available quickly and on a competitive basis. Since the big casino operators are now global corporations, that's a very big deal for a very critical technology.

(Image: cybrain/iStockphoto)

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billc140
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billc140,
 User Rank: Apprentice
4/18/2016 | 5:10:58 PM
Technology doesn't ensure understanding
Curt,

 

You don't mention any business acumen until the last slide. This is understandable since the industry as a whole has very few MBA's and frequently doesn't understand its customers or how to interpret the Business Intelligence (BI) collected. They defintely don't uinderstand indirect costs. If cutting back one floor person per shift saves $X that is their consideration. If the resulting downgrade of service drives away foot traffic they blame other factors. They constantly raise prices on food and entertainment, reduce givebacks and don't understand why they lose business. Many casino companies have advanced BI software but really don't understand how to get the most information out of it.

Bally ACSC is the leading Casino Management Software package. It runs on the AS400, a machine first sold in 1990. Yet many IT VP's still defend the hardware as state of the art. In very few properties do the General Manager or other executives ever ask the employees on the floor about what their customers like and dislike. They almost never give the Players' Club reps sufficient information about Promotions to answer customers' questions and have little idea of how to measure success or failure of marketing programs or promotions. 

No executive would be caught dead actually patronizing a casino and mock the few insiders who do. Can you imagine trying to sell a Porsche if you've never driven a car? 

You are dazzled by some of the technology they use and miss the technology they misuse. It is no surprise that major and minor companies have repeatedly gone into bankruptcy. Spend enough time and it is obviouys taht the Emperor is wearing nothing.
Susan Fourtané
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Susan Fourtané,
 User Rank: Author
4/18/2016 | 7:53:10 AM
Recycling technology
Curt, 

Very interesting compilation. The casino chip counterfeiting must be a good business. I wonder how they operate. 

I would have never thought about all the technology behind a casino. However, now you have awaken some curiosity. Last year, I went to the Casino of Montecarlo in Monaco simply because it's a James Bond setting and the architecture is beautiful. I went at a time when nothing was happening. Later on, I thought I had made a mistake.  

Now, this year when I go again to the French Riviera, I will not miss the opportunity to go again and look and explore more. 

-Susan
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