Reasons for a Single Communication Platform - Sponsored Whitepaper

Radios, Text Pagers, Cell Phones…So Many Devices, So Much Confusion Compelling Reasons for a Single Wireless Communication Platform

With all the advancements in communications, it really amazes me how often we see hotel engineers walking around with three or more devices strapped to their belts. It's not uncommon to see engineers with a handheld device, an old-fashioned two-way radio, a cell phone and sometimes a pager. No wonder they look worn out. They're probably physically tired from the load, and also stressed out.

Why do some hotel owners and managers still struggle with the concept of communications convergence? It seems too often devices are purchased for one use without concern for the overall communications needs or strategy of the hotel. I believe the typical reason is that it's a little cheaper (in the short term) to add one more system. Is there one device that does it all over one network? If so, what is it?

I don't profess to be an expert in the technical details of communication infrastructure, nor do I want to speculate or promote which specific technologies are right for the hotel industry. I do, however, have a unique perspective in that our company has helped hundreds of hotels integrate two-way messaging with our Rapid Response work flow software. Although we have relationships with many of the communication vendors, we don't have any financial interest in promoting their products. Our goal is to help our hotel customers make the right decisions so our system works well.

Our customers often expect us to simply tell them what the best solution is for their paging needs. We explain that solutions are available but there is no single silver bullet for everyone. What works best or makes financial sense for one hotel may not work well for another. What we do know is that one device is better than three or four. There are many solutions that support the single device including both outside carriers and premise- based solutions where the hotel uses its own network.