Bonnington Tower Putting Guests in Control with Nortel Unified Communications

Unified Communications (News - Alert) has opened a lot of doors for businesses as of late and now one of the hottest and most discussed technologies to come along in recent years is helping close the curtains as well.

 

At least that is the case at the Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Dubai; an ultra-hip hotel in one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world. This latest hospitality solution is built on Unified Communications from Nortel (News - Alert) and features bedside control of everything from temperature and the TV channel to opening and closing the drapes and the door.

 

“We’re building from the ground up with integrated communications technology we expect to help us set new standards of luxury for our guests regardless of whether they come for business or for pleasure,” said Alan Bostock, general manager, Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Dubai. 

Hyper-connectivity is certainly now affecting the way we communicate across so many platforms and Unified (UC) Communications creates opportunities to simplify and manage communications, and cut through the complexity of multiple devices.

The UC technology is integrated into a single IP network along with advanced telephony, data and wireless communications in a bid to help enhance the guest experience while optimizing staff productivity and operational effectiveness, according to Bostock.

 

Nortel channel partner Alpha Data is helping design and deploy the unified communications solution for the 40-story hotel that will combine 208 hotel rooms and suites with 272 deluxe serviced apartments, conference rooms, restaurants and bars. It will also feature an 11th  floor leisure deck open to the elements on three sides and fully-equipped with swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, steam rooms and saunas.

 

“Unified communications technology can help hotels generate higher revenues by offering the very latest amenities, allowing staff to be more responsive to guests and streamlining business operations,” said Ramin Attari, vice president and managing director of Nortel Middle East.

 

It also consumes up to 40 percent less energy while costing less than half as much to own and operate compared to the leading competitor, according to independent testing by The Tolly Group and Info Tech, said Attari.

 

“And Nortel technology is highly energy-efficient, offering added benefits in lower costs and reduced environmental impact.”

 

In addition, the solution includes a network backbone based on Nortel Communication Server 1000, Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 and Ethernet Switch 470 for VoIP and TDM voice services. Nortel’s Wireless LAN 2300 Series will provide efficient wireless Internet access and voice services throughout the hotel, making staff readily available and reachable via a single number for rapid, responsive and personalized guest service.

 

In a bid to help ease the use of the technology and simplify administration requirements, the hotel staff will be equipped with feature-rich Nortel Meridian 3900 Series Digital Telephones.

 

Nortel says it has been working hard to transform the hospitality industry through technologies and strategic services in an effort to enhance the guest experience, generate new revenues and improve operational efficiencies for hotels, resorts, casinos, stadiums and arenas.

 

.Tim Gray is a Web Editor for TMCnet, covering news in the IP communications, call center and customer relationship management industries. To read more of Tim’s articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Tim Gray