With the proliferation of mobile devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable DVD players, MP3 players, and Smartphone devices, guests often arrive at the hotel with all the technology they need. The challenge? Finding a way to integrate these devices with existing in-room hotel systems to create a better guest experience. Thanks to the efforts of the non-profit organization, Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG), solutions are on the way.
150 companies develop personalized technology together
HTNG facilitates the development of next-generation, customer-centric technologies to help meet the needs of the global hotel community. HTNG also helps drive the adoption of industry standards supported by the OpenTravel Alliance, an organization dedicated to improving the use of technology in the hospitality and travel industries.
"Two years ago, everybody was complaining about how technologies didn’t work together, and now we have nearly 150 companies that have banded together to say, ‘No, we can fix this problem,’" says Douglas Rice, executive director of HTNG.
By combining the strengths of members from hotel and hospitality companies as well as technology vendors, consultants, media, and academic experts, HTNG workgroups create practical solutions to address specific business problems in the hospitality market.
Microsoft immediately recognized the value it could bring to the efforts of HTNG. "We have a core strength, which is basically our connection to the consumer, our connection to our enterprise platform, and the fact that we’ve gained significant industry expertise with the formation of the Retail and Hospitality vertical," says Brian J. Scott, general manager of the Retail and Hospitality Industry Group at Microsoft.
Currently, the HTNG In-Room Workgroup is combining the efforts of 21 leading hotel and technology vendors, including Microsoft, to create an infrastructure to deliver integrated, personalized technology to each hotel guest room.
A smarter guest experience means all the comforts of home
Wireless Internet access, on-demand cable television, and instant access to movies and music are just some of the growing expectations of today’s hotel guest. To meet these expectations and deliver superior service, hotels must create a smarter guest experience that incorporates these technologies into the hotel room—offering the same at-home multimedia experience to which the guest is accustomed.
As part of the Microsoft Smarter Hospitality initiative, the smarter guest experience uses innovative technologies that enable hospitality operators to empower guests with a personalized experience. In-room systems, enhanced amenities, and information resources can deliver a new kind of experience—a vision that maps perfectly to the efforts of HTNG.
"Microsoft Smarter Hospitality is really a vision and a roadmap for our partners and customers in the hospitality space to better address the industry challenges and provide a new way of interacting with the guests," says Matt Muta, director and industry manager at Microsoft.
Leading companies form the In-Room Technology Workgroup
The HTNG In-Room Technology Workgroup is developing a baseline infrastructure that delivers personalized technology to each hotel guest room—from multidevice connectivity and docking to unified messaging, on-demand video, and more.
"I think the main thing that Microsoft brings to the table is the expertise with its ISVs (independent ," says Rice, executive director of HTNG. "The vast majority of the systems that run in our industry are running on the Microsoft platform, so it’s very important to have Microsoft involved. The platform can provide a lot of the integration that we’re looking to achieve."
Whether viewing digital pictures on the hotel guest room TV or using a mobile phone to access room service, guests can enjoy the seamless technology integration provided by the In-Room Technology Workgroup.
The workgroup consists of three subgroups, each working to deliver an integrated, digital experience for every hotel guest:
Device Integration subgroup: Connects mobile devices with internal hotel systems
MP3 players, digital cameras, and other devices can connect to in-room A/V devices for a listening and viewing experience that creates a home away from home
One accessible, universal adapter enables guests to easily plug in any mobile device
New docking devices accommodate Smartphone and Pocket PC phone devices, offering direct access to the hotel system
Messaging subgroup: Incorporates a unified messaging system for personalized service
Customizable options include personalized wake-up and reminder calls that can include conference scheduling changes, departure times, and more
Set-Top Box group: Provides a set-top box for an integrated media experience
On-demand video, wireless access, and high-definition television controls
Universal connectivity enables devices to connect from one easily accessible port
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition enables time-shift broadcast recording options and the capability to consolidate personalized media, such as video and photos
With the efforts of HTNG and the In-Room Technology Workgroup, hotel guests have all the comforts of their home and office environments. With this ideal combination of personal mobile devices and hotel room technology, there can be some places like home.
http://www.microsoft.com/industry/hospitality/businessvalue/htngarticle.mspx
