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Updating a Classic: VingCard Introduces RFID
 Compatibility for its Classic Lock


The Industry’s Leading Provider of RFID Locking Solutions, Including Signature RFID Locks,
Now Offers Thousands of Properties Worldwide the Benefits of Contactless RFID Technology


DALLAS – May 14, 2009 – VingCard®, a leading hospitality security provider and part of the ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Group, is introducing a new, contactless RFID version of its widespread, iconic electronic locking solution, Classic by VingCard, for its customers currently operating magnetic-stripe guestroom door locks. Based on the resounding success of the brand’s first RFID locking solution, Signature RFID by VingCard, the new Classic RFID system will allow thousands of hotels and resorts across the globe to easily and cost-effectively upgrade their current locks to employ contactless technology as well as Near Field Communication (NFC) cell phone compatibility. Additionally, Classic RFID provides an ideal solution for properties undergoing renovations and upgrades, but not replacing guestroom doors or door hardware.

Our customers across the globe have expressed a growing interest in the unique security benefits of an RFID/NFC-compatible electronic locking solution,” said Rune Venas, president of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality, Inc. in North America. “As hoteliers become more and more conscious of their guests’ security needs, they consistently look to VingCard to provide the most reliable, advanced and flexible RFID security available. Now, with the introduction of Classic RFID, an even larger number of hotels and resorts can seamlessly upgrade to contactless technology without having to completely replace their existing electronic door locks.”

Classic RFID employs cutting-edge technology to offer a unique contactless design for user-friendly, intuitive guest interaction and unsurpassed security to hotels. The system utilizes VingCard’s exclusive anti-cloning technology for all guests and staff cards, making it virtually impossible for keycards to be cloned and used.

Additionally, installation of Classic RFID is efficient and cost-effective for existing VingCard customers because it is not necessary to replace their current locks entirely; instead, only the end cap and card reader needs to be changed. The three-step upgrade requires hoteliers to 1) remove the outside Classic by VingCard escutcheon, 2) replace the end-cap with the new Classic RFID by VingCard module, and 3) enjoy the benefits of contactless RFID.

“In just a few simple steps, hotels can be up and running on Classic RFID,” Venas said. “This allows them to enjoy the benefits of upgrading to RFID technology without any downtime or unnecessary cost.”

By installing Classic RFID, the locks will be ready to offer the option of remote check-in/check-out to guests with NFC-compatible cell phones, allowing them to skip the check-in line upon arrival and go straight to the room, where their NFC cell phone will unlock the door. Prior to arrival at a hotel, guests receive a booking confirmation number, room number and encrypted room key access code through Short Message System (SMS), allowing them to skip the check-in line upon arrival and go straight to the room, where their cell phones will unlock the door. Guests use their cell phones again at the end of their stay to check out directly through the NFC-enabled TV in the room, or the NFC-enabled hotel kiosk.

Classic RFID is a secure open-platform system compatible with the three leading RFID ISO standards (ISO 14443A/MiFare, ISO 14443B, ISO 15693) and also the Near Field Communication (NFC) transaction platform for cell phones, therefore eliminating the guesswork for hoteliers in choosing the right technology standard.

The introduction of Classic RFID by VingCard follows the worldwide success of Signature RFID by VingCard, which was introduced in 2006 and is now installed on thousands of hotel guestrooms throughout the European, Asian and North American markets. Additionally, Signature RFID was named “Best NFC Service of the Year 2008” by the NFC Forum, a non-profit industry association dedicated to advancing the use of NFC technology.

Part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, VingCard is the world leader in developing locking systems for the hospitality industry, offering user-friendly security systems that meet the unique operational needs of hotels and resorts. For more information, visit www.vingcard.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.
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Contact:

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

Susan Lomelino for VingCard
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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Also See: NEW Infinity II by Elsafe Resets Standards for Peak In-Room Safe Design and Functionality;  Elsafe’s Exclusive Anti-tamper and Anti-cloning Technology, UL-Certification, Design, Optional Gold-Finish, Ergonomics, Functionality, and RFID/NFC and RF-Online Compatibility Set It Apart from the Competition / May 2009

Signature RFID by VingCard: A Success Story; Thousands of Hotel Guestrooms Now Rely on Contactless RFID Electronic Locks from Industry Leader / March 2009

USTA Selects TimeLox to “Serve” Its Security Needs; Hospitality Security Leader Provides Electronic Locks for USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center / November 2008

20,000 ZigBee RF-Online Rooms and Counting: TimeLox Installs DC-One ONLINE at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas / November 2008

VingCard Outpacing Industry in RFID/NFC Skill: Displays Electronic Lock Advancement for Remote Hotel Check-in/Check-out at IH/MRS / November 2008

Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia Chooses Signature RFID by VingCard to Secure the Nelsen Lodge; First Phase of High-end Ski Resort to be Outfitted with Contactless RFID Electronic Locks / September 2008

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Elsafe Selected as Approved Provider of In-room Safes for New Starwood Brands; Starwood Partners with Leading Safe Manufacturer for Aloft™ and Element™ Hotels / June 2008

VingCard Announces Efforts to Go Green; New Eco-Friendly Security Offerings Help Hotels Reduce Waste / June 2008

Starwood Aims to Increase Guest Satisfaction with Online Security System from TimeLox; Leading Electronic Lock Provider Offers RF-Online Solution for Aloft™ and Element™ Hotels / June 2008

LXR Selects VingCard® and Elsafe® as Sole Preferred Providers of Electronic Door Locks and In-Room Safes for Its Collection of Hotels and Resorts; Hospitality Industry’s Leading Providers of Locks and Safes Chosen by Luxury Properties / June 2008

Signature RFID/NFC by VingCard® to be Showcased in Guestroom 2010® at HITEC; Contactless Door Lock Selected for Exclusive Display of Innovative Hotel Technologies / June 2008

Hotels Maximize Space and Security with Out-Of-Sight Drawer Safe from Elsafe; Based on customers' requests through 'We Listen' program, leading global manufacturer of in-room safes frees-up space in the main cupboard/closet while providing compact repository for guest valuables, including laptops / May 2008

Xtra On-Wall Safe by Elsafe Maximizes Limited In-Room Space and Security; Ideal for hotels with minimal space in the guestroom, the new laptop-compatible On-Wall unit mounts easily in the open or hidden to secure guest valuables in closets, cupboards and armoires / May 2008

'Best NFC Service of 2008' Awarded to VingCard (ASSA ABLOY AB) by NFC Forum at Monaco Event; Global security leader receives 'First Place' for its Signature RFID/NFC solution at the European NFC Developers Summit in Monaco / May 2008

VingCard Elsafe Adjusts Pricing to Accommodate Declining USD; Continued U.S. and Canadian dollar (USD/CAD) depreciation against the European Euro (EUR), Chinese Renmibi (RMB) and other major currencies supports a 10 percent price correction in USD/CAD markets / April 2008

Timelox Adjusts Pricing to Accommodate Declining USD; Continued U.S. and Canadian dollar (USD/CAD) depreciation against the European Euro (EUR), Chinese Renmibi (RMB) and other major currencies supports a 10 percent price correction in USD/CAD markets / April 2008

VingCard® Partners with SARGENT®, Yale® and Corbin Russwin® To Offer New Security Solutions for Hotels and Resorts; Industry Leaders Join Forces to Provide Door Hardware Continuity for Hospitality Properties / November 2007

VingCard® to Secure Newly Renovated Plaza Hotel in New York; Contactless Signature RFID Electronic Locks Installed at Legendary Central Park Property / November 2007

Delta Chelsea Hotel Enlists TimeLox® to Install Wireless Electronic Locking System; Canada’s Largest Hotel to Utilize New TimeLox Wireless DC-ONLINE System / November 2007

VingCard® to Secure Baha Mar Resort Hotels on Nassau's Cable Beach; Hotel Security Leader will Install Electronic Locks at New Development in the Bahamas / October 2007

VingCard® Receives Two Prestigious ADEX Awards for Innovation; Industry Professionals Recognize VingCard Products With Platinum and Gold Awards for Design Excellence / June 2007

TimeLox Reports Bull Market Affecting Brass Production, Pricing / December 2006

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NEW Signature by VingCard Door Locks Selected by Kauai Beach Hotel and Resort / May 2006

Rezidor SAS Names VingCard Elsafe a Preferred Security Partner for Providing Electronic Locks and In-Room Safes / April 2006

Casinos, Resorts, Timeshares and Condo Hotels Tap TimeLox for Online Security / March 2006

ASSA ABLOY Hospitality, Inc. Strengthens Global Security Positioning With Marc Freundlich Leading the Way / February 2006

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VingCard ‘Signature’ and Elsafe Chosen Preferred Security Solutions for Courtyard by Marriott in Europe / December 2005

VingCard Elsafe Providing Emergency Support to Hotels Hit By Hurricanes Katrina and Rita / September 2005

Pascal Metivier Appointed President of Assa Abloy Hospitality for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America / June 2005

Elsafe Providing a ‘Safe’ Environment for Business Travelers and HSIA Users / June 2005

When Security Counts . . . Count On VingCard to Upgrade Your Electronic-Locking System / June 2005

Elsafe Selected by Accor as its Sole Approved Provider of In-Room Safes / April 2005

Elsafe Asks: Are Your In-Room Safes REALLY Safe? / November 2004

Ken Brown Joins VingCard Elsafe As SVP Marketing and Sales, North America / November 2004

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Elsafe Renews Global Agreement with Starwood Hotels & Resorts to Supply In-Room Safes / March 2003

Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan Upgrades to VingCard Locking System to Enhance Guest Security and Convenience / March 2003

Elsafe Selected to Provide In-room Safes to Accor Hotels Worldwide / Dec 2002

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