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News for the Hospitality Executive

With the Help of TimeLox, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.
Has the Lock on Creating Efficiency

Luxury Property Maximizes Productivity through Use
of the Leading Wireless RF Online System



WASHINGTON, D.C. � June 24, 2009 � TimeLox®, the world�s leading supplier of ZigBee online electronic locking systems for hotel and resorts, recently completed the installation of its wireless radio-frequency (RF) online locking system, TimeLox DC-One ONLINE, at  Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. Featuring 222 luxuriously appointed guestrooms, meeting spaces, spa, fitness, recreational facilities and dining, the busy premier hotel looks forward to the increased productivity of operations created with the addition of a front-desk system that provides total security control from a single central location.

�Exceptional service and security are our top priorities. Our hotel needs the most efficient and reliable system in order to maintain our reputation for providing the ultimate guest experience,� said Tony Savage, Director of Engineering at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC. �With the online locking solution from TimeLox, we were able to increase employee productivity and ultimately our guest�s satisfaction, by utilizing this centralized system.�

Since the introduction in 2004, TimeLox DC-One ONLINE has helped hotels around the globe to maximize employee productivity as well as guest satisfaction. Now operating in more than 20,000 guestrooms worldwide, this online system provides hotels a cost-effective wireless online two-way communication between the property�s host security system and the standalone electronic locks installed throughout the hotel.

�The greatest feature of the wireless online system is the ability of our staff to stay mobile and connected to key events at the property,� Savage said. �Whether it�s a door that�s left open for a certain time period, or a conference room that needs to be opened for a meeting, the system can automatically send SMS/e-mail task messages alerting the security staff to investigate and take care of the event on his or her PDA, or be dispatched to the exact location.� 

Unlike traditional off-line standalone locks, the wireless online system utilizes RF-online communication capabilities to eliminate the need to travel to each guestroom to perform tasks such as reprogramming individual locks or identifying and changing low batteries, as well as the need for a guest to return to the front desk to change a room or extend his or her stay. Also, the system communicates with multiple rooms at once, reducing the number of network components required for installation.

�TimeLox DC-One ONLINE should continue to maximize the security and satisfaction of the hotel�s guests while drastically improving the bottom line,� said Rune Venas, president of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality, Inc. in North America. �By increasing the efficiency of operations, maintenance and engineering at the hotel, the online system continues to improve procedures at the most demanding properties.�

Built on the ZigBee� Standard 802.15.4 platform � the only wireless, highly-secured and open standards-based platform to address the unique needs of low power monitoring and access-control network applications, TimeLox DC-One ONLINE provides unparalleled system reliability and performance at a great value. Operating on a reliable and secure platform like ZigBee also enables smooth interface and integration options for other online devices, including safes, energy management and mini bars. 

�Our technology is constantly evolving to keep up with the needs of our customers,� said Venas. �With our wireless online system, the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC can be assured that TimeLox DC-One ONLINE will provide the latest technology to please guests and operators alike.�

Part of the ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Group in the North America region, TimeLox is the leading developer of wireless online locking systems for the international hospitality industry, offering user-friendly security solutions that meet the unique operational needs of large hotels, casinos and resorts. For more information, visit www.timelox.com. 

About ASSA ABLOY Hospitality, Inc.
The world leader in hotel security technology, ASSA ABLOY Hospitality has products installed in more than 35,000 properties worldwide, securing more than 6 million hotel rooms. The ASSA ABLOY Group, a publicly listed company, is a world leader in security and hospitality systems. The North American division of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality brings three security brands to hotels throughout the United States and Canada, including VingCard (www.vingcard.com) electronic locking system solutions. To use SMS and NFC functionality for remote check-in and check-out, the hotel needs a web-based reservation system which is not provided by ASSA ABLOY Hospitality. Elsafe (www.elsafe.com) UL-listed (1037) hotel safe series, and TimeLox (www.timelox.com) security solutions for gaming properties and other large resorts. 

About Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, Washington's first and only Mobil Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond hotel, has justly earned its reputation as one of the city�s � indeed one of the world�s � finest hotels. With a preferred Pennsylvania Avenue address, the 222-room hotel is situated in historic Georgetown. Its restful ambiance is enhanced with not only a warm, friendly and tenured staff but also its extraordinary 2,000 piece art collection. The hotel has just completed a $40 million enhancement and is better than ever!  An exciting addition is a new signature restaurant, �BOURBON STEAK�, by celebrated Chef Michael Mina, a two-time James Beard award winning chef. The restaurant is designed by world-renowned architect David Rockwell. The Lobby has been redesigned by Pierre-Yves Rochon and intended to celebrate the intimacy of residential warmth, views of a winter garden and the hotel�s celebrated art. The West Wing was renovated and received ten new rooms and suites as well as a 4,000 sq. ft. Royal Suite (the Hotel�s largest and most lavish) that will redefine comfort and style in the nation�s capital; designed by Pam Anderson from Anderson Miller Ltd.  All of this accompanies the hotels $25 million renovation of the East Wing completed in 2005. More information is also available online at www.fourseasons.com/washington

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Contact:

Morgan Field for VingCard
Tel: +1 (214) 521-8596
[email protected]

Susie Lomelino for TimeLox
Tel: +1 (214) 521-8596
[email protected]

Riise Walker, Marketing Supervisor
VingCard, Elsafe, TimeLox
Tel: +1 (972) 692-3167
[email protected]
 

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