Virtual Concierge to launch at Diamond Hotel Dubai Sports City

England football star Michael Owen is lined up to be among the first to try out a state-of-the-art digital business and entertainment system in the Middle East.

Guests and residents of the prestigious Diamond Hotel and apartment project in Dubai Sports City - of which Michael Owen is the ambassador for developers First Homes Worldwide - are expected to enjoy rooms equipped with the television/PC system. This offers 24-hour room service and high-speed Internet access, along with digital interactive games, movies on demand, in-room shopping, and many other features.

Roomwithnet Systems Ltd operates from a category 5 (Cat5e) cable, or over wireless, allowing clients to install a single structured cable through which voice, data and video traffic can travel to a standard in-room RJ45 connection. (The company is one of only a few companies offering 100% digital in-room entertainment systems that are able to deliver all services over a single Cat5e cable, including VoIP, and to both a TV set and a computer monitor.)

Guests can use all services simultaneously, including VoIP, with no loss of speed or quality. Each system is tailor-made for the client, with a variety of options available, such as video-conferencing units and printers.

Extra revenue
"Hotels and property companies can generate valuable additional revenue by using Virtual Concierge as an advertising medium for their own and for local businesses," says Carol Prince, director of Roomwithnet Systems. "Guests and residents can see the range of a hotel's services, book excursions and spa treatments, and view details of property developments worldwide - all from the comfort of their hotel room."

A full graphics tool-set in the administration module enables clients to make changes to the content, style and branding of the system. Themed television channels - for sports and lifestyle interests - can be created for clients and used to promote games and other events.

Hospitals in Spain and Portugal are among a growing number of medical and care facilities using Virtual Concierge. Nurse and doctor reporting structures can be centralised, while patients enjoy the benefits of unrestricted, high-speed Internet access. Installing the system has no effect on vital medical equipment. Patients can work from their rooms, access DVD and CD players, and choose from hospital meal menus on-line.

The company, which is looking for distributors to develop its business in the Middle East, is exhibiting at CABSAT in Dubai from 6 to 8 March 2007 and at The Hotel Show, also in Dubai, from 3 to 5 June 2007.