Overview:

A common need was identified in the hospitality industry for the business traveler as well as the holiday guest to have fast and reliable access to the Internet.

This project is launched in order to provide an effective and a affordable solution to the common communication problem, providing the Hotel or Lodge and it's guests with the leading edge, with a high return on investment, profitability and higher accommodation figures.

Current access options:
Currently, guest's options are very limited regarding Internet access. Firstly current PABX systems are used in conjunction with the guest's own laptop computer. Shortfalls are that dialup speeds are slow and expensive to the guests, often the hotel or lodge's PABX system is inadequate for providing reliable Internet access and in most instances, guests are unable to log onto the Internet at all. The probability of theft of the guest's own laptop also exist.
Secondly the guests have the option searching for an Internet Café in the vicinity, which results in loss of revenue for the Hotel/Lodge and often the guest do not know beforehand when booking a room, whether they will have Internet Access available.

Guest Internet access requirements:

Business travelers:
The business traveler needs to be able to have effective and reliable communication with his or her employees, employers, business associates and family members. Online Banking, use of e-mail communication and web cam facilities is also becoming increasingly popular. The businessman needs to know beforehand whether there will be Internet access, especially when traveling from abroad.

Holiday Guests:
With the increasing popularity of digital cameras, guests would often like to be able to send holiday photographs to their family members. An option of e-mail and web cam will keep the holidaymaker in touch with their families. The guest may require online banking requirements, in order to check credit card status etc. Children may want to play their favorite game ensuring children are never bored.

Solution:
The solution to Internet access would be to have a dedicated computer system available in every room and conference room, being online 24 hours, and the guest charged at a flat rate.

The system will have Internet, as well as Intranet facilities available.
Intranet is used to provide the guest with more information about his or her direct environment, such as accessible facilities in and around the lodge or hotel, specials, restaurant & room service menu, special of the day, map to the area and any information the Hotel or Lodge owner would like to be made accessible.

The system consist of:

1.) Line
A dedicated telephone line; such as ADSL or satellite connection, which is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. These Internet connections are charged at a flat monthly rate and there are no additional dialup costs. Therefore a fixed budget can be maintained and Internet speeds are of international standard (512 kbps)

2.) Server
A dedicated terminal server installed at or close to reception or front office. This server is used to control the individual terminal computers and to retrieve and store data. This makes the system easier to control and maintain. As data is stored at one point, the possibility of system failures and loss of data is limited and backups can be made from one central point.

3.) Terminals
A terminal computer, with a keyboard, mouse, screen and speakers are installed in each required room and conference room as per customer request and linked via network to the main terminal. Additional web cam and Bluetooth technology are available as optional extras. The smallest possible base unit is used and various options are available as to monitors used. The preferred monitors would be flat panel LCD, depending on specific budgets.

4.) Software
The software used is customized to the Hotel or Lodge's specific requirements.
From the guest's point of view, when turning the terminal on in his or her room, a welcome message is displayed (which can be customized with the guest's name.) The user is the prompted to enter login information as a security and personal profile feature (obtained from reception).

The guest is offered various options and features on a desktop, these are displayed as icons, which are easy to understand and access such as:

Software:

My Hotel (or My Lodge)
Tells the guest more about his or her direct vicinity. The Hotel or Lodge's existing website can be used for this purpose or a new customized version be implemented which provide information and photographs of the direct vicinity, places of interest, where to go and what to do. Surrounding restaurants or tourist attractions can advertise in this space and charged accordingly, which result in return on investment of the system.

My Documents
Where the guest will save and retrieve all documents and projects created. When the guest checks out, this folder can be backed up for the client and written on a CD upon request. The CD can also contain marketing material of the Hotel or Lodge or even the group it belongs to.

Internet
With this feature, the guest is allowed to surf the Internet freely and limitations can be pre-set on the server as to adult content etc. Guests are only allowed to browse on the Internet and downloads may only be done upon request.

E-mail
A temporary e-mail account can be set up for the client whereby he or she can send and receive e-mails. In most instances, travelers do have web-interfaced e-mail, whereby the standard browser will be used.

Games
A folder, which contain various games, such as common card games, multiplayer games, children's games and games that, can be played over the Internet.

Photo Edit
A folder that contains software, used to edit photographs and common drivers for digital cameras in the event of guests wanting to download photographs from their digital cameras.

Chat
The guest is given the option to chat to other guests via a chat program.

Utilities
This folder contains various commonly used utilities such as a zip and compression software.

Web cam
This can be added as an optional extra or only placed in the conference room, whereby guests can access web camera facilities to communicate with others having the same accessories.

Key benefits:

Increased occupancy
More International and conferencing guests are attracted.

Short return on investment period:

Guests are charged for example:
R80 per user per day. On a 40% bed rate over a 30 day period, providing 10 terminal systems are installed:
R80 x 30 x 4 = R 9 600 per month

Guest feedback
The guest can fill in a short questionnaire in order to provide feedback on the service.

Tax deductible on lease or rental agreement.

Cost Implications:
Systems are custom designed to specific needs.
A full site survey is conducted on the premises to determine the exact client requirements.

Different packages are available depending on the client’s budget specifications.

All systems are fully upgradeable.

Enquiries:
For any enquiries, feel free to contact:
Martin Oelofse - Technical
Gerhard van Tonder - Sales
Tshepo Chiloane - Software development
Jaques Lourens - Hardware & Software development

Quicksilver Technologies

E-mail: martino@quick-silver.co.za