The HITEC product roundup features innovative product news from suppliers that exhibited on this year’s tradeshow floor.
Airband Communications
Airband’s fixed-wireless Internet, data and VoIP services provide hotels with the scalability and flexibility needed to meet demand from guests, conventions and large group events, from Internet access to high-bandwidth applications like video conferencing. Advantages of fixed-wireless services include fast installation, scalable bandwidth from 2 Mbps up to GigE speeds and business continuity from having true diverse path service delivery. The enterprise-class fixed-wireless circuit can scale within hours to meet a hotel’s short-term bandwidth needs.
Aptech Computer Systems
Execuvue BI–New version incorporates guest sentiment data with property financial and competitive set data from Smith Travel Research to show reasons for property performance, all on a mobile platform for iPhone, iPad and other handhelds to give executives solid business information anywhere.
Profitvue – Next Generation–Profitvue now has a .NET platform and Microsoft SQL database for greater web utility and faster, more flexible financial reporting.
Targetvue–Aptech announced a partnership with PROPHIX to provide its newest Targetvue budgeting system. Targetvue is similar to familiar Excel spreadsheets but may be updated in real time as managers revise their department budget estimates.
ARINC offers real-time flight information for guests
The ARINC microFIDS system, a compact, wireless version of airport display technology used around the world, is now available to the hospitality industry. It delivers up-to-the-minute flight arrival and departure information in an economical format that is easily deployed in hotel lobbies, business centers, reception areas and other common spaces. Already in operation at several high-profile New York hotels, the ARINC microFIDS system can enhance hotel bookings and dwell time whenever flights are cancelled or delayed. More information is available at www.arinc.com/microfids.
Cendyn
SpeedRFP: Cendyn partnered with Elite Meetings to integrate its SpeedRFP tool into its widely installed eProposal solution used by over 5,000 hotels.
getplanning: Cendyn acquired RoundTableHQ to consolidate its getplanning meeting planner communications tools in Cendyn’s eProposal solution.
SMS: text message marketing now in use by Trump Atlantic City.
Facebook, Twitter: sales tools that help properties interact with shoppers and guests.
eFaceTime: personalized video module that enhances eProposal online presentations.
eConcierge: adoption by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
CSI Virtual MasterCard for hospitality
The CSI Virtual MasterCard Program is an electronic payment system that works with its customers’ existing accounts payable (A/P) systems. The solution provides security and control by generating unique one-time use credit card account numbers for each vendor payment. It reduces A/P processing costs and offers cash rewards on all payments made through the program. The program is offered at no cost and includes complete implementation services. Implementation includes full vendor enrollment support, maximizing vendor participation and minimizing the time commitment by the customer’s A/P personnel. CSI has an impressive track record of helping participating Five-Star hospitality chains streamline their A/P processing, increase their bottom line and strengthen vendor relations with this payment program. CSI maintains a substantial database of participating hospitality vendors, which allows any hospitality group a very streamlined and quick enrollment process.
Flyte Systems
Flyte Systems signed a global agreement with LodgeNet for real-time airport flight info on guestroom TVs via LodgeNet’s Envision interactive guestroom entertainment system. Hotels in the U.S. and internationally are accelerating adoption.
Four Winds Interactive
FWi’s Digital Communication Platform gives you the means to quickly and easily create dynamic messages that resonate with your visitors and guests, increasing meeting space sales, easing operational burdens, increasing food and beverage revenue, and generating an overall “WOW” factor for your property. With a variety of applications available, you’ll find it easy to identify and deploy FWi’s digital communication applications in your conference center, food and beverage outlets, retail locations, recreation areas, guest rooms, and back of house locations.
Hotel Communication Network
Hotel Communication Network is showcasing its breakthrough patented in-room/mobile technology that hoteliers and convention managers have been seeking. HITEC attendees will see a live demonstration of HCN’s “game-changing” technology including the HCN Navigator™, a breakthrough touch screen for in-room guests. HCN enables hoteliers to strengthen their brand while offering cutting-edge meetings and convention services. HCN’s innovative business model helps hoteliers generate the revenue to pay for the technology.
hotel SystemsPro
The hotel SalesPro sales & catering system goes international with a new system upgrade. Also, the hotel ServicePro asset management system and WebSpace online sales solution are being strengthened.
hotel SalesPro – hotel SalesPro is now international with a complete rewrite.
hotel ServicePro – hotels are buying capital equipment now and using hotel ServicePro to monitor their new investments.
hotel WebSpace – will offer a new mobile-ready hotel online sales tool.
Identity Finder
Identity Finder is a global leader in sensitive data discovery and security. Founded in 2001, we provide organizations with advanced technology to help prevent data leakage. Our DLP software finds and protects Data-at-Rest and In-Use either centrally or at the endpoint by searching files, e-mails, desktops, servers, databases and websites. Using the company’s proprietary AnyFind technology, Identity Finder intelligently locates social security numbers, payment card industry data (PCI), patient healthcare information (PHI), passwords, and other sensitive data. It can search remote desktops, servers, databases, websites, and much more. Beyond identification, the technology helps securely shred or encrypt information.
Interquartz UK
A British telephone company which has sold over a million units is launching in the US market with its HITEC debut. Interquartz UK is displaying its full range of FCC-approved Voyager hotel phones, including two new models. The Voyager Two Line 9285 has been rigorously designed to eliminate cross talk whilst the Small Footprint 9826 is specified for bathroom use and features an illuminated keypad built into its hand piece.
InvoTech
InvoTech is launching its GIMS UHF uniform and linen tracking system that enables entire bins of soiled or clean uniforms or linens to be identified, inventoried, and tracked instantly without hand sorting with ultra high frequency scanning of large volumes of items for laundering and tracking. The system saves staff time with the elimination of hand sorting, and enables departments to estimate uniform and linen budgets more accurately for less waste.
KABA–Saflok+ILCO
KABA’s Saflok RFID locks now interface to INNCOM’s guestroom energy management. Also, Saflok will demonstrate its acoustic locking system with OpenWays to show how guests can download a tone on their mobile device that can open a guestroom door.
Life|ware
Exceptional Innovation, makers of Life|ware Hospitality Solutions, introduces the Life|point InTouch phone. This tabletop VoIP touch-screen telephone gives hotel guests instant access to a variety of convenient in-room features and revenue generating hotel services through a user interface which is fully customizable to the hotel brand. Combining the functions of a telephone, alarm clock, message center, music dock, and room control, the Life|point InTouch phone is a multipurpose guestroom control center.
LG
Leading LG’s unique Pro:Centric applications-based platform series are the LV555H LED and LD665H LCD HDTVs. These models are the first in-room TVs from LG for the North American market to include IPTV video decoding. Enhanced Pro:Centric features allow for dynamic updating of application data, including an electronic program guide, weather and customizable on-screen billboards. The LV555H and LD665H support embedded b-LAN for Pay-Per-View and Free-To-Guest system interoperability and integrated LG Pro:Idiom digital rights management.
Macroview Labs
MacroView Labs develops dynamic location-aware mobile solutions and strategies for hospitality, gaming and event management organizations. Their mobile websites and apps offer more than 150 features, including a mobile booking system, concierge services, GPS maps, passkey-protected content, event schedules, feedback surveys and more. The company's Content Management System allows customers to easily make changes to any content in the apps and instantly push that change out across multiple mobile platforms (iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, mobile website, etc.). Their powerful data engine generates real-time analytics and detailed recommendations to ensure the apps stay profitable and continually evolve.
Morse Communications
New Voice’s 20 years of experience in security, telecommunication and IT provides solutions for intelligent evacuation & emergency automation, personal protection and effective communication. Mobicall’s hospitality IVR solution communicates with hoteliers’ customers via dynamic and predefined voice messages sent to Alcatel-Lucent handsets and wired phones. Applications are robust and limitless. Integration with Rapid Response Systems allows service requests and emergencies transmitted directly from the staff’s handsets independent of time, media and location. Morse Communications distributes New Voice solutions. www.morsecom.com
Nomadix
At HITEC, Nomadix demonstrated its latest technology for the companies that serve mobile, transient Internet users. The company’s just-released version 7.3 of its industry-leading NSE software provides its customers with critical security, speed and control enhancements to meet the rapidly growing demands of travel-savvy consumers. This upgrade is an example of the commitment to continuous improvement Nomadix delivers to its customers.
NORTHWIND–Maestro PMS
Maestro offers a totally cloud-based PMS and 20 integrated modules, and a fully mobile-enabled booking solution, ResWave for independent operators. Maestro is now expanding services to include comprehensive online marketing and social media strategy and is also partnering with Hotel eBusiness Strategies and Avrio which provides the Silverware POS.
Recipe Pad from BirchStreet Systems
The latest BirchStreet offering, the advanced Recipe Management application includes a built-in 15,000 ingredient library, nutritional data, powerful recipe scaling features, tools to determine recipe profitability and more. The first enterprise recipe management solution optimized for the Apple iPad and other touchpads, the Recipe Management application streamlines food service, adding more capabilities and convenience. http://birchstreet.net
Ruckus Wireless
Ruckus Wireless offers patented adaptive antenna array technology in its ZoneFlex Smart Wi-Fi line of wireless LAN products. Each Ruckus Wi-Fi access point integrates a miniaturized adaptive antenna array that forms and directs Wi-Fi signals only where they are needed – constantly focusing and steering RF energy over the fastest signal path. The result is typically two to three times the performance of competitive systems, at roughly half the cost and with half the number of APs. For more information, visit www.ruckuswireless.com.
Verve Living Systems
Verve Living Systems has introduced a line of hospitality products enabling room control for energy savings and uncompromised guest comfort. The products use efficient radio frequency technology in an attractively designed family of temperature and electrical load control devices as well as self-powered motion, contact and key card sensors. Verve sensors and controls are wireless and self-powered by solar and kinetic energy harvesting, ensuring easy installation and significantly reduced operational costs.
Uniguest
Uniguest’s Concierge Station 2 is available in 23- and 42-inch touchscreen kiosks, the elegant, touch-friendly interface allows hotel guests to quickly view weather and headlines and find local events, attractions, restaurants and shopping. Information (including directions) can be easily printed, emailed or texted to a mobile phone. Concierge Station 2 can be customized to prominently feature hotel dining, services and amenities. Hotels can offset some or all costs through local ad sales.