Pan Pacific Vancouver Goes The Technology Route
<B> Pan Pacific Vancouver Goes The Technology Route</B>
By Carolyn Green
<I>Vancouver</I> - Business travelers staying at the Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver can leave home without their laptops and still be productive online or off.
This summer, 20 computers--17 in guest rooms and three in the hotel business center--were installed by Calgary-based Guest Tek Services Interactive Entertainment, making the Pan Pacific the first North American hotel to offer videoconferencing capabilities from a guest room.
The videoconferencing capability--using Microsoft's NetMeeting 2.1 and a digital camera with a built-in microphone--is ideal for business travelers who want to hold a meeting with colleagues or clients, according to David Curell, director of rooms for the Pan Pacific. "I see videoconferencing being more in demand in the future as people become more aware of technology. We've heard from some road warriors who are installing it at home. This would be great for them to be able to say goodnight to their kids over the computer," he said.
Guest Tek president Arnon Levy said the software allows the two parties to "share and collaborate" on a particular document online. "For example, the two individuals in the conversation that are separated geographically could open an MS Word document and work together to create a letter or proofread a report in real time." He added that this capability also can be used with Excel and PowerPoint software.
Levy said that both parties don't need a camera to use the videoconferencing program. The hotel guest, whose face will show up on the other person's computer screen, will be able to communicate orally and use the "share and collaborate" function.
In addition to videoconferencing capabilities, the Compaq Deskpro 4000 computers allow guests to access their e-mail and other elements of the Internet through high-speed ISDN lines. Each computer is equipped with a variety of popular business software programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
To ensure confidentiality, the computers are programmed so that when a guest initially boots up, he or she is required to type in a personal password that remains throughout the stay. When the next guest turns on the computer, a new password is required to carry out any function. At that time, all traces of the previous guest's computer use are automatically erased from the hard drive.
Although guests can request in-room printers from the hotel business center, Curell said the computers also are linked to the center, allowing guests to send documents there for professional printing.
Curell said cost for computer-equipped rooms, branded as Global Office rooms, is C$30 (about US$20) more than the negotiated corporate rate.
"You'll always have laptop users, but there are a lot of people who don't like to carry them, especially if we can provide them with the exact same service directly out of their rooms," he said. "As well, it's a much more comfortable experience, with a full monitor, a full keyboard and a mouse."
Both Curell and Levy are optimistic the in-room computer installation will be well received by guests. To help guests who are unfamiliar with the system, Guest Tek has compiled a simple manual outlining key elements of the system's operation as well as tips for using various programs. Guests also can use a 24-hour help line linked directly to Guest Tek in Calgary.
While no firm decision will be made for a few months, Curell said if demand for the Global Office room continues to be strong, the hotel will consider doubling the number of in-room computers next year.
Levy is equally optimistic that in-room computers with Internet access have great potential for growth. "I believe that within the next five years, every hotel room is going to have to have a computer because computers are part of every day life, especially for the business traveler.