YB Datuk Leo Moggie Minister of Energy, Communications and Multimedia launched the new �plug and play� high-speed Internet access service at a signing ceremony between Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur and inter-touch.  Hotel Nikko was represented by Mr. Yoshihisa Hoya , General Manager and Mr. Van Kam Weng, Assistant General Manager while inter-touch was represented by Mr. Terence Nickolls,  President & CEO and Mr. Jan Strijker, MD (Asia Pacific).       

With inter-touch WORLDLINK, guests that require Internet access will truly enjoy �plug and play� satisfaction as this new service allows hotel guests to connect to the Internet in the simplest, most secure, efficient  and  economical manner possible. 

�inter-touch WORK-LINK�, is an advanced system that enables guests to connect to the Internet WITHOUT a telephone line, an Internet Service Provider account, special passwords, new computer settings or installing additional communication software. It also does not require the guest�s PC to be equipped with a modem,� said Mr. Hoya.

"Every guest can now initiate a network connection simply by plugging the Ethernet cable in their room into the Network card of their laptop, turn on their computer and click their web browser. There is no need for special software, drivers," he added.

"In addition, inter-touch has invested significantly in equipping the hotel with a secure network and technology infrastructure that will serve the hotel well into the future," he continued.

Stated Mr. Nickolls at the signing ceremony, � inter-touch is investing approximately USD 50 million in the Asia Pacific region over the next three years. Our strategy is to provide the world�s best broadband technology services to the hospitality, airline, convention and property industries in the region, keeping people in touch with their world.�  

The Malaysian Government is poised to leapfrog into the Information Age with the setting up of the backbone and infrastructure for the Information Super Corridor and our objectives are in tandem with their efforts," he added.

�With business travel increasing and many hotels being upgraded, we believe inter-touch has tremendous potential in Malaysia and this region. There is great opportunity for hoteliers to benefit form the increased revenue potential and increased guest satisfaction levels that inter-touch offers. And we are proud to work in partnership with the hospitality industry to meet a need rather than simply providing a technical solution, he added. 

"inter-touch WORK-LINK provides a whole suite of value added services such as inter-touch OFFICE� which allows the guest to send and receive faxes, print documents and retrieve voice mail messages from the comfort of their very own room," said Mr. Strijker, Managing Director (Asia Pacific), inter-touch.

"In addition, inter-touch ROOM SERVICE� is a free to use service to hotels that intercepts the first browser page when the guest accesses inter-touch WORK-LINK. The page is designed to address pull and push marketing requirements. As the guest is already checked-in into the hotel, the product is then targeted to offer services that are available within the hotel such as health club, and restaurants among others. It also allows the hotel management to update and change the contents of the website as and when."

Aside from resident guests, meeting attendees that use conference facilities at the hotel can also enjoy inter-touch TEAMWORK� which offers Internet access in all meeting and conference rooms. Using inter-touch TEAMWORK, a meeting co-ordinator can set up a web-enabled boardroom with a pre-configured 7 to 14 user boardroom kit in a matter of minutes. This facility will allow guests to convene on-line meetings, exchange data, web training and a host of other web applications including video conferencing on a scale that has never been seen before in this region.

The charges are automatically tracked by inter-touch BRIDGE�, an advanced billing system that is integrated into the hotel�s Property Management System, and are included as part of the guest�s hotel bill.

Elaborating on the billing structure of the new service, Mr. Hoya said, � inter-touch WORK-LINK provides travellers with an easy to use, high-speed (up to 100 Mb per second) access at a rate of US $ 0.50  per minute up to a cap of US$20 per day inclusive of tax which means that if a guest spends more than 40 minutes on the Internet per day, the rest of the time, usage is free of charge. This will save our guests a lot of money. The charges are included as part of the guest�s hotel bill.� 

In today�s competitive environment, we must continue to provide innovative and value-added services that will attract the corporate traveller. As Malaysia strives to entrench its position as the meetings, incentives conventions and exhibitions centre for the region, those in the hospitality industry must keep pace with the latest developments in the industry and ensure service excellence for our guests,� added Mr. Hoya. 

Mr. Jan Strijker added, "We are committed to bring broadband services to the business traveller using your facilities and services to keep him/her in touch with his/her world. We are here to partner with the Malaysian hospitality industry and are happy that Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur has given us the opportunity to do so under the e-Nikko programme. We will provide a holistic solution to the hospitality industry to meet their needs and not just a technology."

Formerly known as NetPort Hospitality Systems, the company today launched their new name inter-touch and corporate identity - an integral part of the company�s aggressive international expansion and marketing strategy. 

Hong-Kong based Venture capital group Telecom Venture Group (TVG) has joined with other financial and strategic investors including the founding investor, Technology Venture Partners (TVP); and the group has invested over A$15 million into inter-touch which will be used for international expansion and marketing, further hotel installations and working capital.

About Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur
Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur offers the fine art of international hospitality - the hallmarks of Nikko Hotels International. It boasts of a tradition of exemplary service, with carefully blended luxurious appointments to impress even the most discerning international businessmen and travellers! A 5-star property standing majestically along the prestigious Jalan Ampang, right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's business district. It has 470 spacious guests rooms sprawling over 42 sq m per room with 14 luxuriously decorated suites.

Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur was conferred the best Business Hotel by Hospitality Asia Magazine in 1998/99. The hotel also received the Gold Award 98 from Malaysia Society for Occupational Safety and Health, whilst in 1997, the hotel was awarded 2nd best landscape in Kuala Lumpur by the Minister of Arts, Tourism and Calture.