Value-Added Applications Check Into Cisco Networked Hotels

SAN JOSE, Calif., October 5, 2004 - Cisco Systems® today announced that the growing number of hotels worldwide deploying new added value entertainment and business services over Cisco technology-based converged IP network infrastructures originally introduced to cut costs and meet a growing demand from customers for high-speed Internet access.

Wireless and wired networks in a number of hospitality locations are allowing guests not just to surf the 'net and check their e-mails from hotel lobbies and restaurants, but also to benefit from an increasing number of valuable and value-added services, such as being able to gain access to local maps and information using hotel room screen phones. Unified messaging systems are making it easier for urgent messages to be sent and received and IP videoconferencing suites may potentially allow traveling executives to hold virtual meetings without leaving their hotel.

Meanwhile, hotel operators are able to make savings on network costs so as to ensure a better service to their customers.

Typical of this new generation of hotels is the Sheraton Krakow Hotel, Poland. The recently-opened hotel features an integrated Cisco IP communications system created with help from NextiraOne, a worldwide supplier of integrated networking systems and services.

All its 232 hotel rooms are equipped with Cisco 7970 IP telephones, with large color liquid crystal display monitors and touch screens.

As well as accessing the Internet, these allow guests to send e-mails, use voice mail, read text messages sent by hotel reception, check hotel bills (including telephone calls and mini-bar charges), book meeting rooms and access hotel information services such as exchange rates, city guide, hotel facilities or weather forecasts.

And at the Hotel Valencia in San Jose, California, guests start getting the IP treatment before they have even reached the front door. The first clue is the personal digital assistant dangling from the doorman's belt. As guests step from their cars, the doorman confirms their reservations, processes their credit cards and makes magnetic room keys on the spot - all before the luggage leaves the trunk.

Cisco and HP collaborated to help Hotel Valencia create one of the most technologically advanced properties in the world, from wireless access throughout the hotel's public areas and IP telephony to state-of-the-art in-room content delivery.

Hotel guests can take advantage of a variety of services, including advanced IP telephony, high-speed wireless Internet access, wireless printing and digital video on demand.

The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, in Bangkok, Thailand, which provides its guests with 24-hour high-speed Internet access from virtually anywhere on the property, thanks to an advanced IP-based wired and wireless network.

Powered by Cisco Catalyst® 3550 and 2950 switches, the network is among the most advanced among Thailand hotels, allowing the Sheraton Grande to offer innovative services that attract travelers. Its Catalyst 3550 Intelligent Ethernet switch enables services such as advanced quality of service (QoS), rate-limiting, Cisco security access control lists, multicast management and high-performance IP routing, while maintaining the simplicity of traditional LAN switching.