Technology spending of new hotels in GCC set to exceed $290m by 2010

Identifying the expanded opportunities within the market, Netgear, a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking and storage products, is gearing up to address the demand for networking and storage products by offering secure, manageable, high-performance, instant Wi-Fi networks for hotels in the region.

Through its collaboration with Firetide, a leading developer of wireless infrastructure mesh networks, the company combines its Netgear ProSafe Wireless Access Points and Firetide Hotpoint™ wireless mesh routers to create a wireless network solution designed for hotel users and guests.

Ideal for public hot zones and private networks in the hospitality venue, the solution eliminates the need to wire access points all the way back to the network switch. This results in a true plug-and-play Wi-Fi network that can be installed quickly and safely, and offers Wi-Fi connectivity that is best for hotel lobbies, dining rooms, pool areas and convention floors.

By adopting Netgear's solution, hotels can provide their guests with convenient access to the Internet and other online services, while allowing their administrators, staff and guests to instantly communicate internally and externally through the wireless network.

Ahmad Zeidan, Channel Sales Manager, Netgear Middle East, said:

"The efficiency of the hotel business depends highly on the openness of communication lines among the staff, which will enable them to provide the best service to guests. Similarly, hotel guests today prefer to stay where they can easily connect to the Internet for both business and personal use. The solution we offer will address both the hotel operators' and guests' need for convenient and uninterrupted connectivity within the hospitality environment."

In addition to providing unlimited Internet access, adopting Netgear's wireless network solution will also allow hotels to let their guests access to other online hotel services, such as free local sightseeing, shopping, shows, restaurants and transportation information.

The solution can also be maximised by making self-service lobby kiosks available for express check-in and check-out, and for concierge services such as booking travel and making restaurant reservations.

Furthermore, it can help various departments such as housekeeping, room service, front desk, and security and maintenance in their respective responsibilities.

While Netgear provides a wireless network solution that is specifically designed for hotel users and guests, the company offers other universal products that can also be useful for the hospitality industry.

This includes a unique RAID storage solution, which can ensure safe data protection; video streaming solution, which can connect the guest's personal computer and the LCD available in the room; different IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) solutions and wall plugs, which extend the range of data coverage and signal strength in some dead spots by utilizing the power line.

"Our aim is to support the need of the hospitality sector for networking solutions with faster speeds, extended range, more reliable connections and seamless streaming. In addition to providing this, we back our solutions with lifetime warranty and 24/7 technical support, which ensures unhindered operation of the equipment and greater return on investment for end-customers," concluded Zeidan.