Hotel & Motel Management - February 18, 2008 - (Page 21)

www.HotelMotel.com/digital_edition HotelMotel.com | H&MM February 18, 2008 Technology WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS guest has a bad experience with WiFi, they won’t return to that hotel.” BelAir Networks installs wireless mesh networks outside the property with nodes throughout, so WiFi access is available no matter what part of property the guest is in. “Sometimes you can get a connection in a room, but when you go down to the meeting area or lobby area, it’s not seamless,” said Dave Park, v.p. of product marketing for BelAir. “When we provide high-speed, it’s completely seamless.” Matt Koch, v.p. of hospitality operations at Telkonet, said in the past two years he has seen a tremendous amount of properties that were hardwired for Internet access making the switch to WiFi. “Sites that were installed initially were typically wired sites,” Koch said. “All of those wired sites are being forced to have WiFi available as well because of the ease of use. You’re not chained to your desk when you want to knock out a little work.” 21 It’s time to unplug Wayport teamed with Yahoo! to create this online informational portal. Guests at properties with Wayport WiFi can access the page for driving directions, local interest information and hotel information. Business travelers are relying more and more on laptop computers and handheld electronic devices. Hoteliers are learning that keeping travelers tied to a desk will drive away business. Guests want to relax in bed, by the pool or in a comfortable lobby chair without having to plug in, and hoteliers are catching on. “If they don’t have [wireless internet access], or if it’s not a good quality service, they’ll lose occupancy,” said Dan Lowden, v.p. of marketing and business development for Wayport. “If a WAYPORT TOP FIVE Progressive alternative uses for a WiFi network: Linking point-of-sale equipment Linking video security Tracking minibar inventory Linking energy-management systems Wireless check-in Source: Dan Lowden, v.p. of marketing and business development for Wayport; Dave Park, v.p. of product marketing for BelAir Networks; and Matt Koch, v.p. of hospitality operations at Telkonet For more info Company Circle No. Arris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286 BelAir Networks . . . . . . . . . . 287 Eleven Wireless . . . . . . . . . . 288 iBahn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289 Innﬂux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Luxul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 Pinnacle Communication. . . . 292 StayOnline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 Telkonet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294 Wandering WiFi . . . . . . . . . . 295 Wayport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296 ©2008 Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO® and Your Guests Expect It.SM are service marks of Home Box Office, Inc. CIRCLE NO. 114 http://www.HotelMotel.com/digital_edition http://HotelMotel.com

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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