Communications Architecture

Uniform Connectivity

Standardization, Data Browsing

History of Hotel Telephone Service

Historical Billing Procedures

Long-Distance Billing, HOBIC

Hotel Options Following Deregulation

First Option: Status Quo, Second Option: Install a CAS, Third Option: Shop the Competition, WATS

More Recent Developments

Alternative Operator Services

AOS Regulations

Emergency 9-1-1 Calls

Mandatory and Voluntary System Upgrades

Volume Controls, Recognition of Area Codes, Increased Capacity

Other Telephone Considerations

Profitable Pay Phones, 1-900 Premium Priced Calls (PPC's), Feature Phones

Supplemental Guest Services

Electronic Voice Messaging, Automated Attendant Services, Automated Wake-Up Systems

The Room Key Revolution

Levels of Access

The Guestroom Key, The Failsafe Key, The Maid or Pass Key, Master Key, Emergency Key

Enhanced ELS Security

ELS Identification Database, Distribution Control, Other Hardware Considerations

Categories of Locking Systems

Traditional Mechanical Locks

Changing Mechanical Locks

Nonelectronic Locking Systems

Benefits of Nonelectronic Systems

Electronic Locking Systems

Power Sources, The Control Center, On-Line Locking Systems

Prior to the Interface

Degradation, Synergy, Cost-Benefit Relationship, Compatibility

Other PMS Interfaces

Point-of-Sale

Energy Management Systems

Guestroom Consumption

Guest-Operated Interfaces

In-Room Safes, In-Room Minibars, In-Room Entertainment Systems

Fire-Safety Systems, The Electronic Concierge