K WEST HOTEL INSTALLS IP DECT TECHNOLOGY FROM PHILIPS

IP-based cordless solution enables staff to communicate ‘on the move’,improving overall level of service to guests 29 September 2004: Exclusive London hotel, K West, has implemented a new SOPHO voice server with fully integrated IP DECT technology from Philips Business Communications, as part of a total order valued in the region of £80,000. The new telephony system enables users to enjoy faster and more effective communication, utilising wireless handsets that allow staff to speak with each other ‘on the move’.

By taking advantage of IP DECT technology, hotel staff are not bound to their workspace or desk and are immediately contactable wherever they are in the building, which subsequently helps to improve the overall level of service to guests. For example, the front-of-house baggage porter can move around the premises, yet be alerted by the IP DECT system if new guests are waiting in reception.

K-West also benefits from being able to use a single converged network for fixed and wireless telephony leading to lower costs and improved flexibility. This is a big advantage over traditional wireless systems that require dedicated cabling directly between the base station and the PBX.

The SOPHO 2000 IPS replaces a Mitel system that was no longer able to support the hotel’s evolving business requirements.

Stephen Kyjak-Lane, K West General Manager, explains, “We looked at a number of Voice Servers and PBX platforms, but the SOPHO 2000 IPS was unrivalled in terms of price/performance, ease of use and flexibility. In addition, our investment in IP DECT technology has enabled us to significantly improve internal communication, allowing staff to adopt multi-functional roles and still be contactable as they roam the building.”

Kyjak-Lane continues, “Our staff are our most important asset and they play an integral role in sustaining a high level of service to guests staying at the hotel. By implementing the latest communications technologies from Philips we are making it easier for our staff to do their jobs more efficiently, which means they have more time to focus on ensuring that customers have an enjoyable stay at our hotel.”

Based in West London, K West is a part of the highly prestigious Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company. It was awarded Best London Hotel and Most Inspirational Management Team in 2002, and recently expanded its premises with its new restaurant Kanteen and six new K suites.

K West’s sister hotels, The Landmark London in Marylebone and the Royal Lancaster Hotel in Lancaster Gate, are existing Philips Business Communications customers.

About Philips Business Communications

Philips Business Communications (PBC) is an international communications technology vendor headquartered in Hilversum, Netherlands and with its UK head office in Cambridge.

PBC specialises in the provision of communications systems and the associated infrastructure, applications and services that are vital to all medium and large-sized enterprises in both the public and private sectors.

With an annual turnover in the region of €250 million and 1100 employees operating in 50 countries, PBC is a global communications technology vendor whilst being an autonomous business unit within Royal Philips Electronics.

PBC has extensive expertise in the areas of converged networks, virtual offices and customer relations providing its customers with all the benefits of simple to use, sophisticated voice systems that incorporate networking, mobile, messaging, contact centre solutions and IP telephony.

PBC’s core product offering is based around its series of voice servers, wired and wireless peripherals, applications software and converged voice and data integration services, which are marketed under the SOPHO brand name. PBC continues to build upon its ICT heritage by expanding into the areas of web-enabled applications, systems integration and valued added services.

PBC currently provides communications products and services to over 12 million end-users, targeting a broad range of vertical markets including healthcare, government, public safety, utilities, education and hospitality.