News for the Hospitality Executive |
Updating a Classic: VingCard Introduces RFID
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 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 |
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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