Marriott and AT&T launch Converged Network Solution for Hotels

Marriott and AT&T are to transform multiple communications networks at hotels into one converged network for voice and data transmission based on Internet technologies. The cutting-edge solution should improve the guest experience and employee performance, support both wired and wireless services throughout the hotel and speed the introduction of emerging technologies for communications and business applications. Marriott’s first prototype hotel with a converged network is the recently opened Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.

Together Marriott and AT&T have implemented an open-standards solution that is based on design principles established by Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG), a technology solutions association for the hospitality industry.

The innovative technology solution includes AT&T Managed Internet and Managed Router services, as well as services for WiFi connectivity, deployment and management that consolidates multiple network applications being delivered into a hotel property into a single managed LAN service-provider model.

“This agreement with AT&T further solidifies Marriott’s technology leadership position within the lodging industry to provide a superior experience for its guests well into the future,” said Page Petry, Senior Vice President, Information Resources Global Field Services, North American Lodging. “As demand for bandwidth increases and new communications and entertainment technologies emerge, Marriott will be uniquely positioned to meet the demands of its customers thanks to its alliance with AT&T.”

Marriott expects guest satisfaction, loyalty and repeat business will increase at installed hotels. Wired and wireless high-speed Internet access will become more reliable throughout the hotel and a managed network means bandwidth can be automatically adjusted to meet peak demand. The converged network also will enable hotels to incorporate advanced interactive communications services, such as video-on-demand and Internet TV, and telephone services, such as voice over Internet telephony more easily, quickly and more cost effectively.

Hotel staff will have greater access to hotel and guest information right at their fingertips. Using devices such as IP phones or paging systems, they will be able to communicate with each other wirelessly. This will enable hotel staff to assist with a wider range of guest requests no matter where they are within the hotel.

Hotel owners will also see a return on their investment in a converged network. In addition to the benefits higher guest satisfaction brings, hotels will achieve operational and cost efficiencies in connection with maintenance of the network and installation of emerging communications technologies.

In addition to new hotels with the new technology, Marriott is also working on a developing a cost-effective solution for retrofitting existing hotels with a converged network as they are renovated.

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