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Sheraton Krakow uses IP telephones with touchscreens to deliver customer service

July 15, 2004

WARSAW, Poland -- Cisco Systems (Nasdaq:CSCO) and NextiraOne, announced in a company release that the completion of an integrated Cisco Internet Protocol Communications system at the Sheraton Krakow Hotel.

One of the most sophisticated networks of its kind in the hotel business; it enables both improved customer service and improved efficiencies in hotel management. It includes Internet, data and voice access for all guests and staff at the hotel and includes more than 600 IP telephone handsets and wireless connectivity.

"Today's business travellers expect more than just a comfortable hotel room -- they want to be able to work efficiently through advanced communications that link them to the outside world," said Warwick Gunning, general manager, Sheraton Krakow Hotel. "The Cisco system implemented by NextiraOne enables us to deliver improved customer service as well as increasing efficiencies by linking directly to our internal management systems, directly impacting our profitability."

All the 232 hotel rooms are equipped with Cisco 7970 IP telephones with large color LCD monitors and touchscreens. As well as accessing the Internet, this allows guests to: send e-mails, use voice mail, read text messages sent by hotel reception, check hotel account including telephone calls and mini-bar charges, book meeting rooms, and access hotel information services such as exchange rates, city guide, hotel facilities, or weather forecast.

"By installing this system, the Sheraton Krakow is reaping the benefits of a multiservice, IP-based network," said Igor Sikorski, market development manager for Eastern Europe at Cisco Systems. "The single network easily integrates voice with the hotel's infrastructure, increasing staff productivity and lowering service costs. The use of IP telephony integrated with the hotel's management systems at the Sheraton Krakow Hotel is an excellent example of this trend."