Bonnington Tower to put guests in control with Nortel Unified Communications

Rooms at Bonnington Tower, a new five-star hotel and apartment complex set to open in December 2008 in the midst of Dubai's Jumeirah Lakes Towers, will feature bedside control of everything from temperature and the TV channel to opening and closing the drapes and the door.

All of this will be integrated into a single IP network along with advanced telephony, data and wireless communications to help enhance the guest experience while optimizing staff productivity and operational effectiveness.

"We're building from the ground up with integrated communications technology we expect to help us set new standards of luxury for our guests regardless of whether they come for business or for pleasure," said Alan Bostock, General Manager, Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers - Dubai.

Nortel channel partner Alpha Data is helping design and deploy the unified communications solution for Bonnington Tower, a 40-story landmark that will combine 208 hotel rooms and suites with 272 deluxe serviced apartments, conference rooms, restaurants and bars. It will also feature a unique, 11th - floor leisure deck open to the elements on three sides and fully-equipped with swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, steam rooms and saunas.

Ramin Attari, Vice President and Managing Director, Nortel Middle East, said:

"Unified communications technology can help hotels generate higher revenues by offering the very latest amenities, allowing staff to be more responsive to guests and streamlining business operations. And Nortel technology is highly energy-efficient, offering added benefits in lower costs and reduced environmental impact."

Nortel data infrastructure is purpose-built for unified communications and third-party proven to be seven times more resilient with 20% better performance than competing products. It also consumes up to 40% less energy while costing less than half as much to own and operate compared to the leading competitor, according to independent testing by The Tolly Group and Info Tech.

Nortel's Unified Communications solution for Bonnington Tower will include a network backbone based on Nortel Communication Server 1000, Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 and Ethernet Switch 470 for VoIP and TDM voice services. Nortel's Wireless LAN 2300 Series will provide efficient wireless Internet access and voice services throughout the hotel, making staff readily available and reachable via a single number for rapid, responsive and personalized guest service. Hotel staff will be equipped with feature-rich Nortel Meridian 3900 Series Digital Telephones offering ease-of-use and simple administration and WLAN Handset 6120 devices for premises mobility.

Nortel is transforming the hospitality industry with innovative technologies and strategic services that can help enhance the guest experience, generate new revenues and improve operational efficiencies for hotels, resorts, casinos, stadiums and arenas. Nortel hospitality customers include such well-known hotel chains as Marriott International, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Hilton Hotels.