�iPOP is a revolutionary revenue-generating guest-service tool that enables hoteliers to host both fee-based and free-to-guest services from one location, whether it�s via a free-standing Internet kiosk or a desktop lobby workstation,� said Saeed Kazmi, VSi President and CEO. �Previously, if a hotel wanted to offer airline boarding pass printing at no charge, it was done so at a separate terminal while fee-based business services, such as email access, document printing and copying was hosted at a different location that supported credit-card billing. iPOP provides the flexible technology to offer both in one scalable package.�

Because it is �scalable,� Kazmi said hotels can regulate the guest-service payment structure as often as they like, depending on the season or on the group business currently booked at the hotel. For example, during low season, a hotel may opt to charge for boarding pass printing and increase the fees for its business services; during peak season, boarding pass printing may be free to guests and discounts may be offered on select business services. 

Third-Party Advertising

�Additionally, iPOP supports transactional advertising, allowing the hotel to sell static and video advertising space on the left hand side of the system�s home page,� he said. �Interactive marketing opportunities that encourage guests to click on a coupon or view a video promoting either the hotel�s services or those offered in the local area, will instantly drive revenues and satisfaction scores. It�s a win-win-win solution for the hotel, advertisers and guests.�

The iPOP� system hardware consists of a PC with 22-inch LCD display; a black-and-white printer; and VSi�s sleek, attractive Aspen stand-up lobby kiosk (available as an option). Its system software includes:

• FreshStart�, VSi�s proprietary software package that ensures security of user data
• Remote Management, whereby the system is monitored 24 hours a day and provides remote software updates
• Billing interface, which bills guests for usage and reports user activity.

• Hotel name and logo
• Third-party ads and/or ads for local amenities, events, restaurants and attractions
• Video window in which the hotel can show video of ads, local amenities, events, restaurants and attractions
• User window to access the Internet, email, printing and other functions.

Concept Receives Academic Accolades

Hotel-technology experts already are beginning to praise VSi�s pioneering effort in developing the iPOP� concept.

�VSi�s iPOP product comes at a very appropriate time as the hospitality industry continues to look for ways to advance its technology capabilities in order to better serve guests,� said Daniel J. Connolly, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Information Technology & Electronic Commerce at the University of Denver�s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. �High-speed Internet access and services (e.g., the ability to print airline boarding passes, concierge functionality, destination information, etc.) are quickly becoming competitive necessities for major hotels to meet the growing demands of today�s business and leisure guests.

�Given society's dependence upon the Internet for so many facets of business and everyday life,� he added, �guests are coming to expect convenient, affordable, high-speed Internet access wherever they stay to keep up with business and function in a digital society. Hotels that fail to recognize and meet these growing needs will be left behind.�

For a look at how iPOP� can deliver a full range of PC-based functions and services, visit the VSi Booth No. 1404 at the upcoming Asian American Hotel Owners Association Annual Convention & Trade Show, March 7-10, at the Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center. 

VSi is well known throughout the hospitality industry for its business center and self-service solutions, such as:  Internet kiosks, lobby PCs, BoardEZ� airline boarding pass printing kiosks, digital messaging display systems, and in-room PC solutions. All VSi computing solutions are specifically designed for multiple, non-repeat usage. 

Vertical Systems Inc. is an approved vendor for Hilton Hotels Corp. and for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. Its Automated Business Centers also are found in Marriott properties, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts (Starwood), Holiday Inns and Crowne Plaza Hotels (InterContinental Hotel Group), Best Western Hotels, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Fairmont Hotels, Accor Hotels and many independent properties. VSi�s products have been installed in nearly 800 hotels in the United States, Canada, Mexico and nine European countries. 

For more information on other VSi products and solutions for the hospitality industry, call 866-874-9222 or visit the VSi Web site at www.ver-sys.com.

About Vertical Systems Inc.
Vertical Systems, Inc. (VSi) is the worldwide leader in providing guest services technology and solutions to the hospitality industry. Its products, which are aimed at serving the growing needs of business travelers and mobile users, include automated business centers, Wi-Fi hotspots, kiosks and in-room technology. VSi's products are sold through channel partners that include major hotel chains, broadband and wireless service providers, audio-visual service providers and large system integrators. For more information, please visit our website at www.ver-sys.com . VSi contact: [email protected] . VSi is a privately held corporation based in Sunnyvale, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. The company's revolutionary software and system architecture uses FreshStart� (proprietary technology developed at VSi) to create computers ideal for multiple users and remote situations. VSi solutions are backed up by 24/7 tech support, Automated Business Centers operators can provide reliable, virus-free, state-of-the-art computer systems to customers with zero maintenance.