 Buffalo,
New York, June 16, 2008 -- Lorica Solutions (www.loricasolutions.com),
the leader in converged managed networks in the hospitality industry, today
issued a new whitepaper that reveals significant cost savings for hotels
that install converged networks compared to traditional �multi-cable� networks.
Lorica Solutions is the developer of the Lorica Room Center (LRC), the
only fully managed converged network specifically designed for the hospitality
industry. The LRC acts as a communications hub and monitoring node for
all in-room devices, enabling new technologies like HDTV, while providing
proactive monitoring and support from Lorica�s 24x7 Network Operations
Center and Help Desk.
The paper that was issued today by Lorica�s CEO, Mark Holzberg, Converged
Hospitality Networks and Associated Cost Savings, is based on an analysis
just completed by the leading technology and network consulting firm, Engineering
Plus, based in Chicago. The firm was commissioned to compare the costs
of installing a traditional network in hotels versus a converged network.
The paper provides a compelling look into a cost- effective converged IP
network infrastructure that will sustain future growth. Up front
savings illustrated in the paper include both cabling and hardware reductions.
To read the full report visit www.loricasolutions.com.
�This detailed analysis holds important data for any hotel that is either
putting in a new network or renovating or upgrading its current network,�
said David Straitiff, Chief Technology Officer for Lorica Solutions. �It
confirms that a converged network can be installed at a fraction of the
cost of a traditional one and is easier to manage, easier to monitor, and
has lots of bandwidth to accommodate the newest technology.�
The paper outlines financial case studies of the specific differences
and savings between a traditional hotel network and a converged network
infrastructure in three typical hotel types:
-
600 room full service high rise- total savings for hardware and cabling
$352,518
-
300 room full service high rise - total savings for hardware and cabling
$169,889
-
120 room limited services hotel - total savings for hardware and cabling
$ 97,949
These cost savings do not include additional reductions related to the
need for less conduit and smaller IDF closets used by �single pipe� converged
networks.
As technologies in the hospitality field grow and change, industry developers
are challenged to efficiently design and implement a technology backbone
for hotels that will support both current and future guest room and
back of house applications.
Straitiff pointed out that, �In addition to substantial upfront savings,
the converged managed network also delivers ongoing savings because the
network can be managed much more efficiently and sustain future growth
with state-of-the-art software tools.�
Michael Augello, LRC Product Manager at Lorica , said, �We found that
hotel developers and management companies that put managed converged networks
into place can actually significantly reduce their costs while employing
a high bandwidth, future ready infrastructure .�
The converged network solution modeled in the three cases was designed
around the Lorica Room Center (LRC). Additional benefits of this centrally
managed and monitored solution include:
� Future Ready � The modular �plug and play� design
of the LRC provides built-in expansion and upgrade capabilities that future
proof the network. Modules include a ZigBee bridge for wireless communication
to a range of in-room devices such as environmental controls, door locks
and minibars as well as an Analog to SIPadapter which enables the use of
cost effective analog handsets in conjunction with an IP PBX. Software
upgrades and enhancements can easily and cost effectively be pushed out
to the LRC remotely. There is also a wireless access point onboard
each LRC for high-speed Internet access that provides a signal closest
to where it is needed along with being proactively monitored and managed
to enhance the guest experience.
� Simple Maintenance � The Lorica Room Center is solid-state
with no moving parts or fans. If a unit needs to be replaced it can be
hot-swapped by on-site personnel with absolutely no technical knowledge
(or even tools) backed by remote support staff, saving time and money.
Moreover, the LRC self configures and automatically reintegrates to the
network with no error prone manual configuration required.
� Centrally Managed � The powerful software that is part of the
Lorica solution provides for the hotel network and all devices on the network
to be centrally monitored and managed by Lorica�s 24x7 Network Operations
Center and Help Desk. This enhances the guest experience and reduces hotel
engineering staff time and expense.
� Security � As guests have increased access to the network,
security becomes a critical issue. The LRC is designed to support the unique
and demanding security requirements of hospitality protecting both the
systems and guests� privacy. The remote software upgrade feature allows
emerging security issues to be quickly addressed. Additionally, 802.1x
security is supported for special access by staff or for devices like set-top
boxes and IP phones.
� Control � Demanding applications like IPTV and bandwidth intensive
Internet applications like streaming video and large files require guaranteed
bandwidth to operate without disrupting other applications and guests on
the network. Bandwidth, including bandwidth throttling, security, quality
of service, wireless and power are all managed and controlled through the
Lorica system insuring that guests always receive reliable service.
� Power � The entire Lorica network operates on the telecom standard
- 48 Volts. These low-voltage power systems can provide cost-effective
and highly reliable power service even in the event of a power failure.
Mission critical systems like IP phones will continue to operate on our
UPS for several hours or carry over systems until a generator comes on-line.
�By utilizing a converged network to push out disparate systems such as
Voice, HSIA, and TV over a single infrastructure, hotels can realize significant
efficiencies in design, construction, and maintenance,� concluded Augello.
About Lorica Solutions
Lorica Solutions (www.loricsolutions.com)
is the leader in converged managed networks for the hospitality industry.
The Company�s Lorica Room Center (LRC) is a comprehensive solution addressing
hardware, software, wiring, management and support for truly converged
hotel IP based networks. The LRC allows for significantly reduced
costs while future proofing hotels and enhancing the guest experience.
In addition to providing hotels with the LRC, the Company offers superior
wired and wireless HSIA and total management, monitoring and help desk
support through its state-of-the-art Network Operations Center located
in New York State. Lorica serves more than 170 hotel locations, ranging
from five-star resorts to select service properties including such brands
as Marriott, Starwood, Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, Choice, Trump International,
InterContinental, Radisson, and others. The company is headquartered in
Buffalo, New York.
Lorica will be exhibiting at the HITEC tradeshow in Austin, Texas
from June 17-19 in booth 1144.
Copies of the White Paper will be available and an operating
Lorica Room Center will be demonstrated there.
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