 WINTER
PARK, FLA. � AUGUST 12, 2008 � With more than 150 years of collective hospitality
industry experience, Resource Technology Management (RTM) has earned a
reputation among leading hotel companies for its expertise in providing
outsourced technology consulting and management. Recently, the 15-year-old
company that provides services to more than 1,200 hotels has been focused
on helping owners manage the challenging HDTV and flat-screen conversion
process to meet brand standards.
�One of the biggest issues facing hoteliers today is HDTV conversion,� said Terry Mueller, RTM CEO and a 27-year telecommunications industry veteran. �Not only are managers challenged with purchasing new TVs at the best price, but they also need to consider installation, theft of the new sets by employees and guests, furniture to accommodate the sets, cable infrastructure to support the required HDTV programming standards, and existing agreements with the program providers. Obtaining the necessary HDTV programming, combined with the obstacle of existing provider contracts, is a significant industry challenge. That�s where RTM can assist � we provide full brand-compliant project management to meet franchisor requirements.� For management or ownership groups with multiple properties, these projects will demand huge amounts of attention and time from the corporate office through the maintenance teams at the properties, Mueller said. RTM performs the turnkey project management allowing the hotel�s staff to stay focused on their daily responsibilities. With the scale of such a project seemingly enormous, RTM will offer management of the entire project to be completed short-term -- before the December 2009 transition. RTM COO and Partner Donald Shouldice said hotels are finding it virtually impossible to extricate themselves from existing pay-per-view and free-to-guest contracts. RTM provides valid strategies to reduce or eliminate upgrade infrastructure expenses and not roll over on recommendations provided by the suppliers. From negotiations with HD content providers to installation and security measures, it is crystal clear why expert project management is needed. Why make the switch? �There are two main reasons why hotels are upgrading to flat screen TVs,� Shouldice said. �First, it�s a brand requirement for any new build hotel. Thankfully many of the brands have pushed the requirement for flats into late 2009, as they are hearing cost complaints from franchisees. Second, flat screen TVs �- although not equipped with high-definition programming �- add sex appeal to the guestroom. More and more hotels are making this transition, and those that don�t will find it increasingly difficult to remain competitive. Unfortunately, there is no return on investment for owners.� RTM provides the following scope of service for HDTV conversion:
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