HITEC Wrap Up

Mixed reaction to guestroom of the future as companies announce new products, technologies.

By Staff -- HOTELS Magazine, 9/1/2006

height="167" vspace="3" border="0" /> GUESTROOM 2010

The pre-HITEC buzz this year was all about the GUESTROOM 2010 initiative, which was to display some of the latest and near-future technologies for the modern hotel room, along with a guestroom-of-the-future prototype. HFTP’s stated goal was to make GUESTROOM 2010 an important reference for the industry. But some in the industry were disappointed with the display. “I was expecting more cuttingedge technology and certainly more ideas or prototypes, rather than readily available merchandise,” says Peter Walterspiel, vice president of development, EdgeStar Partners LLC. “There were too many gimmicks (i.e. the rolling alarm clock) and not enough guest experience enhancing, new items.” Many of the 56 products displayed were items already available in hotel guestrooms or stores like The Sharper Image. But there were a few novel concepts, such as the FoneKey technology platform, which allows a guest to use his/her cellular phone as the guestroom key and as a remote control for the television, thermostat, lights and safe (in addition to being used for remote check-in). And despite some feelings that there wasn’t much cutting-edge technology, “GUESTROOM 2010 proved to be a great attraction at HITEC, providing a thought-provoking demonstration of how these multiple technologies, usually seen separately, can be integrated to give guests a comfortable and entertaining experience,” says Jules Sieburgh, GUESTROOM 2010 chief technology integrator and consultant. For those who may have missed it, “we are now considering taking the display on the road,” Sieburgh says.

Outside of GUESTROOM 2010, the following were some of the technology providers making news at HITEC:

AltiusPAR launches version 2.0 of three of its products—AltiusPAR Central Inventory System, AltiusPAR Central Reservations System and AltiusPAR Internet Booking Engine.

Diversified Computer Corp., maker of GuestWare, announces the completion of a Java SmartRunner application for Nextel phones.

Eleven Wireless launches the new version of its business center computer solution, Eleven BC, which takes advantage of the Intel-based Apple iMac’s performance improvement.

EZ Revenue Management Solutions announces its EZ-BUDGET module, which prepares and evaluates the different scenarios possible with the sales budget of an individual property.

Hotel Information Systems announces its new integrated on-property enterprise management solution, with various partnerships contributing business applications integrated with its own Internet-native epitome Property Management System.

iBAHN introduces Speed Solution, which provides hotels with ongoing Internet service and support at no cost.

IDeaS launches IDeaS Revenue Optimization version 3.0, including the availability of three new modules that deliver to hoteliers expanded views to their business.

LG Electronics introduces three new, 42-inch flat-panel, Pro:Idiom enabled plasma displays— one HDTV and two EDTVs.

LodgeNet and Panasonic announce the integration of Panasonic plasma displays with LodgeNet’s HDTV platform for highdefinition, free-to-guest and video-on-demand services.

MICROS highlights its OPERA Central Solutions package, including OPERA Central Reservation Distribution, OPERA GDS direct connectivity (next-generation seamless), OPERA ADS (direct connectivity with Expedia), OPERA Web Services for Web site integration, OPERA Exchange Interface (OXI XML) for third party connectivity, along with business intelligence and reporting functions.

Mintek Mobile Data Solutions introduces the latest enhancements to its Lodging Asset Management Suite.

Multi-Systems Inc. debuts its Web-booking engine, which enables hotels to accept reservation transactions in real time when interfaced with its Windows-based WinPM property-management system.

Newmarket International announces the release of Delphi Sales Advantage, delivering improved features and integrating Newmarket’s flagship products into an application suite.

NORTHWIND announces new Four-Diamond Service as part of the standard support agreement; the company also announces Guest Experience Management (GEM), designed to increase guest loyalty by delivering unique insights to help operators better understand and deliver what guests value.

Onity debuts its ADVANCE locking solution, which adds ergonomic features and a modular, two-piece design and comes in a variety of finishes, handle styles and cover plates.

Pegasus introduces Pegasus Tailored Marketing Services, designed to help individual hotels and hotel groups generate greater demand and recognition.

Philips introduces NetX technology, a network interface card designed to offer high-definition video-on-demand over an IP network, as well as Internet browsing, split-screen processing, high-resolution graphics and voice over Internet protocol; the company also announces its LCD and Plasma FlatTVs will include Pro: Idiom digital rights management technology.

PISA Security launches its PisaPartner service provider program giving clients access to 24/7 remediation support.

SAFLOK unveils its Quantum proximity lock, which introduces enhancements in design and functionality using radio frequency technology.

Sharp introduces a high-definition, 32-inch (81-cm), liquid crystal AQUOS LC-TV designed specifically for the hospitality industry, the AQUOS LC-32HT2.

TravelCLICK announces new paid search technology that optimizes the most costeffective keyword selections and tracks booked revenue and telephone calls for Internet marketing campaigns.

VingCard announces Signature RFID, a design-centric contactless locking solution compatible with all main RFID ISO standards and the new NFC cellular telephone technology.