Hotel & Motel Management - February 18, 2008 - (Page 20)

20 Technology WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS H&MM February 18, 2008 | HotelMotel.com www.HotelMotel.com/digital_edition BY JASON Q. FREED, ASSOCIATE EDITOR WiFi opens up possibilities At some progressive hotels, wireless Internet networks no longer offer guests just access to the Web, but instead they are becoming the backbone of communication at the property. Forward-thinking hoteliers are realizing the beneﬁts of using WiFi systems to network alternative systems, such as: thermostats for energy management, minibars for centralized reporting, pointof-sale systems for wireless transactions and handheld communication devices. “A lot of people are doing these things wired, and more and more are moving to wireless,” said Dan Lowden, v.p. of marketing and business development for Wayport. Several Westin and Sheraton properties, for example, use a wireless mesh network to link the POS system property-wide, including the outdoor pool area, said Dave Park, v.p. of product marketing for BelAir Networks. A mesh network provides seamless WiFi access through nodes, or access terminals, installed at various points outside the property. Wait staff can use wireless handhelds to make transactions poolside. “By the time the seller gets back to the bar, everything is waiting to be delivered,” Park said. “It results in increased guest satisfaction and revenue.” Lowden said installation of a Wayport wireless system at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas has helped staff stay connected on the property. “We installed a voice-over WiFi system in the front and back ofﬁces,” he said. “It’s really enhanced customer service. Staff can react to guests’ needs faster, from a security guard to room service to the g.m.” Matt Koch, v.p. of hospitality operations at Telkonet, said using WiFi networks for additional uses is still “pretty cutting edge,” but he deﬁnitely can see the advantages. “Voice communication is going to take off ﬁrst,” he said. “The cost of current handsets or cell phones makes WiFi a viable alternative.” BELAIR NETWORKS BelAir Networks installs wireless mesh networks to provide seamless WiFi access through nodes [shown here] around the property. Quotable “ There are just an amazing amount of devices that are WiFi enabled. WiFi has become ubiquitous.” DAVE PARK, v.p. of product marketing for BelAir Networks http://HotelMotel.com http://www.HotelMotel.com/digital_edition

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Hotel & Motel Management - February 18, 2008

Hotel & Motel Management - February 18, 2008 Contents ALIS Attendees: Bumpy Road Ahead Denihan Expands with James Hotel Purchase AAA Updates its Diamond Rating Guidelines Perspective Letters to the Editor Legal FAQ Satisfaction Trends Sales Clinic HotelWorld Update Trends & Stats Locally Grown Food Gains Popularity Companies Cultivate International Ties Wireless Internet Access Opens Up Possibilities Ice Machine Care Improves Efficiency, Performance The Importance of F&B to Leisure Travelers Lamps/Lighting Transactions Events Ad/Editorial Index Marketplace Classifieds Checking Out

Hotel & Motel Management - February 18, 2008

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