HITEC 2002 Conference And Product Preview
By Rebecca Oliva, Technology Editor -- HOTELS Magazine, 5/1/2002
Few
hoteliers question the impact technology has made and
will continue to make on the hotel industry. Past technologies
have offered greater efficiency in hotel operations
and communications producing better customer relations.
While no one knows what the future may hold for the ever-changing
hospitality market, it is certain technology will continue to revolutionize
the way hotels do business. But until that time comes,
hoteliers can find emerging trends in today’s
technology and a showcase of the latest products available
at HITEC 2002.
Celebrating
its 30th anniversary, HITEC, which takes place at McCormick
Place, Chicago, Illinois, June 25-27, will host more
than 5,500 attendees. More than 300 vendors will showcase
their products and services in 650 exhibitor booths—covering
every aspect of technology from accounting software
to central reservations systems to telecommunications.
There also will be a new section entitled Restaurant Rows, which will
encompass a selection of technology companies that cater to the restaurant
and club industries.
The
conference schedule covers an extensive amount of current
technology topics including hotel technology investments,
project management, Intranet, and leveraging Web content
and design, among others. Conference seminars are presented
by some of the industry’s
top minds including field experts, professionals and
consultants. A special opening session will include
two distinguished technology experts: Daniel Burrus,
a leading technology forecaster and author of six books;
and John C. Dvorak, author, columnist and editor, who has been providing
commentary and insight on the changing computer industry. Both experts
will speak on how far hospitality technology has come and where it will
lead the industry next.
Here,
HOTELS provides a first-chance glance at some of the products that
will be showcased at HITEC 2002. Details on the products can be requested
directly from the manufacturer by marking the circle numbers on the
reader service card in the back of the issue, or they can be found
at the show.
Customer Relationship Management
Management
Utilizing
a browser front-end, Galaxy Hotel System’s Hospitality LightSpeed
provides a robust feature set that is deployable as
a complexing solution for uncompromised scalability
and ease of use. The format displays user-friendly
guest information screens in an easily navigable environment
for maximized productivity for single and multi-property
sites. www.galaxyhotelsystems.com
MICROS
will showcase its OPERA Enterprise Solution, which offers a free-flow
of information across multiple applications and properties on a single
database to provide one tool for both property operations and customer
relationship management. It offers all of the required functions to
support a central or property hotel operation.www.micros.com
Northwind
showcases the Maestro Enterprise system that allows real-time access
to property inventory and yield-controlled rates. The system consolidates
management reporting and data mining using a single database. It recognizes
guest loyalty programs and travel agent management.www.maestropms.com
Radiant
Systems launches Radiant 6e Lodging Management Solution, which includes
the Management Console for real-time, enterprise-wide reporting. Other
features include centralized accounts receivable, travel agent management
and CRM. The enterprise-wide database provides operators with visibility
into last room availability and supports single guest profiles across
multiple properties. www.radiantsystems.com
SoftBrands
Hospitality launches PORTfolio version 3.0, a Windows-based system,
PORTfolio has a centralized Customer Management System, and CRS and
data warehousing options. This system supports a centralized Internet/GDS
server for remote bookings.www.softbrands.com
Pegasus
Solutions showcases PegasusCentral™, a Web-based PMS that is
delivered on an ASP basis and offers traditional PMS and CRS functions
off of one central database. Appropriate for both hotel chains and
individual properties, the applications include PMS, POS, sales & catering
and F&B functions. www.pegs.com
Systems
Hotel
Data Systems offers its Xenon®ERS (Enterprise Reservation System).
The system maintains a single, real-time database environment
that can be accessed through all reservation distribution
channels including ADS, GDS, voice, property and Web. www.hoteldata.com
MeetingMatrix
International introduces RSVP Seating, a guest management system that
is fully integrated with MeetingMatrix. Capabilities include tracking
reservations, food preferences, assign waiter stations, create guest
lists and design buffets in three dimensions. www.meetingmatrix.com
TravelClick
rolls out Group Media Network featuring StarCite, that enables hotels
to market to as many as 7,000 meeting planners as they actively research,
plan and book group travel. www.travelclick.net
Management
Easy
(Ez) Revenue Management Solutions introduces EzQuote™, a decision
support module that provides a mathematical approach to quantify the
benefits in the acceptance of group requests. Used in conjunction
with Ez-Contract™ for long-term acceptance and EzRMS for short-term
decisions. www.easyRMS.com
IDeaS
Revenue Management launches the first round of pattern recognition
and pricing technology in the 4.0 Platform. The platform consists
of intellectual property that was developed in conjunction with clients
such as Hyatt International, Conrad International and Gaylord Entertainment. www.eyield.com
Ameranth
Wireless introduces HostAlert™, a development effort in conjunction
with JTECH Communications. The system offers a simplified
way to manage guest flow within the restaurant. Table
management and wait list automation are main features
of the system. www.ameranth.com
Chronologix
Software launches Activities Management Scheduling and Central Reservations
designed to coordinate the scheduling of multiple resort activities
such as golf tee times and spa services into a single system. The
feature enables a concierge to efficiently work with a guest to schedule
any number of activities for any day of their stay. www.chronologix.com
Daylight
Software launches enterprise 3.0 with Total Inquiry Management. The
new system manages leads, RFPs and inquiries so hotel sales staff
can respond quickly and maximize conversion rates and cross selling.
Enterprise 3.0 does not require add-on software. www.daylightsoftware.com
Eatec
Corporation introduces EatecTouch and EatecPocket. EatecTouch is a
new touchscreen tool for entering inventory transactions on a POS
terminal, eliminating the need for a separate PC. EatecPocket is a
wireless LAN personal digital assistant tool for performing mobile
back-office foodservice functions. www.eatec.com
FOOD-TRAK
by System Concepts launches eFOOD-TRAK, a Web-based product that can
be accessed using a Web browser with an Internet connection. EFOOD-TRAK
offers the same food and beverage management system as FOOD-TRAK. www.foodtrak.com
Office
Metropolis
Technologies introduces TrafficWatch, an enhancement to ProfitWatch
Hotel Call Accounting. TrafficWatch is an advanced utility that helps
hoteliers save money by monitoring call traffic and analyzing trunk
usage. It includes interactive graphs that present up-to-the-minute
information on call volume and trunk statistics to help users decide
upon the optimum allocation of resources. www.metropolis.com
RBS
Computer Corporation launches WinTELigent Smart Call Accounting for
Windows. The product sorts information instantly by a variety of criteria
including date and time, extension and authorization code. Design
your own reports, create custom markups or set rate changes to take
effect automatically months before they happen. www.rbscc.com
Scala
Hospitality rolls out Scala 5.1, a complete back office system that
centralizes financial operations as it interfaces with existing PMS
and POS applications. Another new item, Raptor, is a hospitality-specific
business intelligence tool that allows management to view the performance
of all properties in real time. www.scala-hospitality.com
DESI
Telephone Labels showcases its hospitality labels. DESI enables hoteliers
to choose their own fonts, colors and place logos and save layouts
for easy updates and reprints. Customers can customize labels and
receive electronic proofing. www.desi.com
Innovation
Technologies’ Elite is the newest voice mail system and designed
to appeal to both larger and upscale properties. The
Windows-based system features higher port counts, upgraded
hardware and increased functionality. www.innovationvt.com
NEC
America showcases NEAX® 2400 IPX with enhanced IP applications.
The system is an intelligent digital communications
controller that offers all the functions and services
of an advanced Private Branch Exchange (PBX) for the
hospitality guests and employees. It can be integrated
with the NEAX 2400 IPX to NEC wireless phones, IP networking,
IP phones and a full hospitality package for guest services. www.nec.com
Qwest
Global Operator Services is a comprehensive package of specialized
communications solutions designed specifically for the hospitality
industry. An international complement to domestic operator service,
Qwest offers several features including toll-free access, multilingual
operator support, online reporting and high paying commissions. www.qwest.com
TELEDEX
rolls out the CL2100 series of guestroom cordless telephones. The
CL2100 series features 1.8GHz DECT technology, two lines, speakerphone
and digital transmission security for the international market. The
CL1900 series 900MHz offers narrow band technology single line, speakerphone
and SecureChek channel security. www.teledex.com
TeleMatrix
showcases the newest addition to its Marquis line. The Marquis Series
2800 uses TeleMatrix SteelTrap memory technology that eliminates battery
backup and the need to maintain telephone feature programming. The
Series 2800 allows reduced cost of ownership and increased phone set
reliability. www.telematrixusa.com
Relationship Management
Diversified
Computer Corp. rolls out Enterprise GuestWare, a customer
relationship management software that enables multiple
hotels to share guest history and preference information.
The system provides hotels with a “can’t
miss” opportunity to maximize guest service and marketing opportunities. www.guestware.com
Ramesys
Hospitality offers its newly integrated version of Ramesys Mpower
Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing tool with the Maestro PMS.
Maestro customers will now be able to easily query their database
and analyze data in different ways. www.ramesys.com
Management
Elsafe
International introduces the Infinity Collection of safes. The line
features solid, heavy-gauge steel construction of the body reducing
the need for replacement. The modular concept allows for easy customizable
features. The safes can be upgraded to new access technologies by
replacing the front panel. www.elsafe.com
INNCOM
launches S217- IR5 Light Switch, a fluorescent-immune
infrared protocol. Operating above the noise band of
fluorescent devices, INNCOM’s
new wireless technology, dubbed IR5, links thermostats,
lights and other controls to increase guest comfort
while reducing installation time and cost. www.inncom.com
Kaba
Ilco introduces Generation E-760 stand-alone, all electronic lock
that caters to the needs of hotel management, staff and guests by
emphasizing heightened security and ease of use. The design is paired
with magnetic stripe keycard reader technology and an electronic bypass
system with full audit accountability. www.kaba-ilco.com
SAFLOK
showcases the Select MT lock with the Windows-based
System 6000. The Select MT lock runs on Windows software
platform, employs SAFLOK’s
custom ASIC microprocessor and is available with an
automatic dead bolt. It contains non-volatile FLASH
memory. www.saflok.com
Security
Innovations rolls out the Access-Plus online system that can utilize
different card technologies, integrate energy management and monitor
doors. The Host PC can delete lost guest-employee access cards with
a few key strokes. www.gotosii.com
Senercomm
Products & Services, TESA Entry Systems introduces SensorStat®,
an energy management system that merges digital temperature
control to create the latest energy management technology. www.senercomm.com
TESA
Entry Systems releases HIS8™ CCTV Surveillance System, which
is designed to specifically address the needs of the
hospitality market. The HOS8 system is easy to install
and operates in color. The multiplexer monitor enables
expansion of up to eight color cameras and features
an automatic set-up program and self-diagnosis. www.tesalocks.com
TIMELOX
introduces an integration between online and offline systems. Using
an Internet-based camera and the TIMELOX software system, a remote
online access device can be operated from a central location. The
user can view individuals through the TIMELOX software and grant access
with a secured password. www.timelox.com
VingCard
rolls out the VISION software v3.1 access control system. The software
offers a range of possibilities to choose from for server and workstation
needs. It can be interfaced with an existing PMS or POS workstations.
New features include construction keys, guest IDs and PMS IDs. www.vingcard.com
Technology
AlphaNet
Hospitality Systems Inc. launches its Office III, a robust system
that takes advantage of new technology and a simpler form factor without
compromising guest experience. Features include Virtual C Drive, flat
screen monitors, continual looping instruction displays and credit
card swipe keyboards. www.alphanet.net
Bartech
Systems International introduces the newly redesigned
e-fridge. The minibar is networked to the Bartech server
via an Ethernet connection, which allows thermostats,
safes and lights to be connected online via the e-fridge.
The new design fits in with the room décor
without the need for a cabinet or armoire. www.usabartech.com
Guest-Tek
rolls out GlobalSuite™3 fast and easy high-speed Internet Access
for wired and wireless networks. The secure, plug-and-play
solution has a 97% success rate for getting guests
connected. Features include tiered, flexible billing
options, easy online administrative management and
convenient network printing. www.guest-tek.com
LodgeNet
Entertainment will showcase the latest enhancements to its digital
interactive TV system. The new features include integrating the latest
Internet, satellite and digital technologies to offer guests more
choices and control. www.lodgenet.com
On
Command introduces Roommate™, a digital platform that provides
in-room and data entertainment. Options include Hollywood’s hottest
hits, games, CDs, music videos, hotel customized menu
screens and TV Internet. The new browser provides fit-to-width
screens formatted for television. www.ocv.com
Sprint
showcases InSite, a broadband system and infrastructure
that includes video-on-demand, hotel information and
service portal, and high-speed Internet access over
TV and guests’ laptops.
New applications include guest relationship management
software, IP television environmental room controls
and integration into hotel loyalty programs. www.sprint.com/insite
Wayport
provides high-speed wired and wireless Internet access for guestrooms
and meeting rooms. For meeting rooms, it offers E-meetings, which
lets hotels offer broadband Internet access to corporate Intranets.
Wayport offers Email Express, which provides a quick way for meeting
attendees to check their e-mail. www.wayport.net
Management
Technologies rolls out PM-Works, powered by Espresso!. In an ASP format,
PM-Works helps select service hotels manage preventive maintenance
and gives their management companies a top down view of the operations
by region and/or brand. www.m-tech.com
PrinterOn
launches PrintAnywhere Server a wireless, driverless printer. PrintAnywhere
is an easy-to-implement server solution that allows guests with mobile
devices to print documents to hotel printers without installing and
configuring print drivers. www.printeron.net
Zebra
Technologies introduces QL 320,™ a rugged lightweight mobile
printer that interchanges easily with Bluetooth, IRDA
and 802.11 wireless LAN connectivity. www.zebra.com
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