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News for the Hospitality Executive

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Introducing BusinessClub� at HITEC, VSi�s Solution
to Lobbies that Leave You Wanting More
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Visit Booth No. 161 at HITEC! 
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Vertical Systems, Inc. can transform the traditional lobby with its innovative BusinessClub�,
a multifunctional space where business travelers can work, socialize, and relax

SUNNYVALE, CALIF.� JUNE 20, 2007 � Hotels looking for the next great guest-service solution that combines high-tech guest computing with low-cost, turnkey lobby design should consider implementing the new �BusinessClub�� concept created by Vertical Systems Inc. BusinessClub� will debut at the Hospitality Industry Technology Exhibition & Conference (HITEC), Booth No. 161, June 26-28 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

�Keeping guests connected is of ultimate importance to hotels across all segments, but deciding where and how to offer this in-demand service is an ongoing challenge,� said Saeed Kazmi, VSi President and CEO. �Our BusinessClub� concept creates environments or zones in which guests can enjoy varied levels of privacy and amenities. It�s a simple way to reinvent a hotel�s lobby for work and leisure and without incurring major renovation costs.

�Following research and recommendations, VSi will design and develop a BusinessClub� layout that meets brand standards or hotel design specifications,� he said. �We also will deploy hardware from among a wide variety of our solutions to best manage your program; work with hotel staff every step of the way during the installation of the project; and manage all customer billing issues, including refunds, VIP cards, and more.�

Kazmi explained that a BusinessClub� Membership Program also can be established to allow preferred guests to be treated with extra care. VSi will develop special programs with hotel management�s assistance so that some of the services can be offered complimentary to these valuable guests.

�Just as the lobby design is scalable, so are our billing options,� he said. �While hotels may choose to offer complimentary services to �preferred members,� other valued guests can pay for services via credit-card billing, prepaid cards or direct to their guest folio. In addition, VSi�s 24/7 support on all equipment means that hotels can focus more time on serving their guests while we take care of all equipment maintenance, replacement, software updates and system upgrades.�
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VSi BusinessClub� Features:
  • High Speed Wi-Fi
  • Secure Laptop Connectivity
  • Internet-Stations (For Guests Not Carrying a Laptop)
  • Mobile printing
  • LCD Monitors
  • Specialty Information Kiosks (Boarding Passes, Tours)
  • Digital Signage
  • Business Center with Pods, Private Rooms and Office Amenities (Printing, Copy, Fax)
  • Conference Rooms with Key Equipment (Projectors, Video Conferencing)
  • Turnkey Billing Solutions
  • Toll Free Support with 24/7 Access
John Beasley, VSi VP of Business Development, said marketing the new BusinessClub� concept will greatly help to differentiate a hotel from its competition while simultaneously adding a fun, fresh guest service.

�At BusinessClub�, an individual guest can connect his or her laptop in an open public space while having a latte . . . a small group can have an informal meeting in a semi-private setting . . . and a businessperson can be in an office environment with access to all of the best of office amenities,� Beasley said. �That�s a pretty cool way to service your guests without having to use valuable meeting space � if meeting facilities are even offered.

�BusinessClub� also makes servicing guests easy, since hotels can designate guest access times and the level of support they receive � including onsite support, in-person assistance and self-service options,� he said. �This is just the type of service that hotels are looking for to enhance brand value, increase brand loyalty and motivate customers to return.�

As guests spend more time in the hotel lobby and lounge using BusinessClub� services, Beasley said, they are more likely to spend money in other areas, such as the coffee shop or gift shop. In addition, VSi�s business model is based on revenue share that has a potential to generate additional revenue from the BusinessClub� services.

VSi BusinessClub� Benefits

  • Total Guest Privacy and Security � Using VSi�s proprietary FreshStart� technology, systems are rebuilt after every use and all user data is removed.
  • Highly Reliable and Robust System � With a PC-workstation uptime of 99.5%, VSi�s 24/7 remote management capabilities ensure that your system is always up and running, and your customers never have to wait or go without.
  • Low Maintenance � Remote diagnostics and 24/7 customer care support help to keep on site resource needs to the bare minimum
  • Single Source for All Your Guests� Technology Needs � Meet your guests� growing technological demands by staying on top of technology with VSi.
  • Revenue Generation Opportunity � As your guests spend more time in your lobby and lounge, using BusinessClub� services, they are more likely to spend money in other areas such as your coffee shop or gift shop. In addition, VSi�s business model is based on revenue share that has a potential to generate additional revenues from the business club services for the hotel.
�While various hotel companies have announced initiatives to enhance lobby space for business travelers, no one has developed a solution that encompasses this full-service, turnkey design BusinessClub� concept,� Kazmi said.

�We look forward to meeting with hoteliers at HITEC to secure feedback on how this solution will work for them and their valued guests.�

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 BusinessClub, visit Booth 161 at HITEC
or call 866-874-9222 to pre-schedule an appointment.

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.

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Contact:

Barb Worcester
President/Principal
PRPRO
Tel: (440) 930-5770
[email protected]

Shaukat  Anjarwala
Marketing Manager
Vertical Systems Inc.
Tel: (408) 752-8100 x106
[email protected]

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Also See: VSi Prepaid Cards Proving Convenient for Hoteliers as well as Guests; VSi's variety of prepaid-card programs helps hotels streamline the billing process while offering guests a convenient, secure way to access business-center services / May 2007
VSi Rolling Out iPOP�, Revolutionary Revenue-Generating Guest-Service Amenity; Global leader in guest-services technology will launch the industry's first Internet kiosks and Self-Service Business Centers that offer a combination of fee-based and free-to-guest services on the same system / March 2007
Aspen Kiosks Offer Attractive Option to Harried Travelers Tired of Long Lines; VSi's stylish computer-access kiosks help improve guest service and increase guest satisfaction by offering quick access to boarding-pass printing, Internet use / February 2007
Vertical Systems� FreshStart� Technology Spells Peace of Mind for Hotel PC Users / February 2007
VSi Automated Business Centers: Giving Guests, Owners a Truly Happy New Year; Hoteliers say outsourcing Business Center operations to Vertical Systems Inc. increases guest satisfaction, reduces operational stress and boosts incremental revenues / January 2007
VSi Retrofits Payphones with Internet Kiosks to Ring in Revenues, Enhance Guest Service for Hotels / December 2006
VSi Adds Hyatt Hotels & Resorts to its Airline Boarding Pass Printing Service; BoardEZ� solution also enables guests to make changes to their flight schedules, book new flights and make future hotel reservations / October 2006
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