BWI CORRIDOR, MD, April 11, 2002 � Bartech Systems International, the largest provider of automated mini-bars in the world, announced today that it has completed the installation of its e-fridge system in all 485 rooms of the Inter-Continental Houston Hotel, formerly the Crown Plaza.  Closed since November for renovations, the hotel officially opened its doors last week as the new Inter-Continental Houston Hotel and is the first hotel ever to feature Bartech�s �Intelligent Room� technology which, using Bartech�s e-fridge mini-bars as its �spine and brain,� allows the hotel management to automatically control all electronic, temperature, and Internet functions within each room.  Bartech�s partnership with Inncom International Inc. provides the thermostat component of the �Intelligent Room.�

�We are thrilled to have Bartech�s �Intelligent Room� technology in all of our rooms.  Bartech�s e-fridge system has a strong track record in helping hotels worldwide to improve customer service, increase revenue, and provide real cost savings to hotel operators,� commented Alan Carrette, general manager of the Inter-Continental Houston Hotel.  �The �Intelligent Room� has truly revolutionized the capabilities of what we thought mini-bar systems were capable of, allowing us to drastically reduce energy costs, streamline customer service and provide comprehensive Internet access to our guests � which today is the number one concern for business travelers.�

Bartech�s �Intelligent Room� uses an Ethernet connection as the main portal for all temperature and electrical controls, and a CAT 5 communication cable for digital movies and individual guests� high-speed Internet connections.  Hotels can save $0.45 per room per day on energy costs alone when using the �Intelligent Room.�  For example, a 500-room hotel would save approximately $80,000 a year in energy costs using the �Intelligent Room.�
All guest room technology is managed through a CAT 5 fiber optic cable connected �on-line� to the hotel�s local area network (LAN) and property management system (PMS), which allows hoteliers to program temperature and electricity at cost-saving levels when no one is occupying the room.  When a hotel guest is checked in, a signal is sent to the PMS to adjust temperature and lighting automatically to provide a welcoming atmosphere for the guest.  Hotel guests can always override the system to accommodate their specific needs.  Additional capabilities include safe and door lock networking.

�Having our first installation of the �Intelligent Room� in the Inter-Continental Houston Hotel is a great accomplishment for us and will position us for future growth.  We have been testing this technology for five years and are excited to have officially launched it in such a large and prestigious hotel,� commented Daniel Cohen, president and CEO of Bartech Systems International.  �Our partnership with Inncom International Inc. is another way in which we are looking to expand in the industry.  This alliance has already provided us with a number of substantial cross-marketing opportunities and will continue to help us grow into new markets.�

Bartech�s e-fridge units are equipped with sensors that are placed under all of the products in the mini-bar.  When a guest removes an item, the system instantly sends a message to the hotel�s PMS that posts it to the guest�s bill.  If the item is replaced in a pre-set period of time -- typically 30 seconds -- it is not recorded as consumed, but hotel staff is alerted to check whether the product has been tampered with.

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Bartech Systems International is headquartered in Annapolis, MD and has representation in 31 countries, employing 55 people.  Its e-fridge model has revolutionized the concept of mini-bars.  In all, Bartech offers more than 120 open-display e-fridge models, ranging from 30 to 75 liters.  Hotels can choose from several standard cabinet finishes, or purchase custom finishes that match an existing in-room cabinet.  Stand alone e-fridge units also are available.  e-fridge pricing starts at $640 per unit.  Typical turnkey installations range from $800-$1,200 per unit, which includes the annual maintenance fee for the first year.  Bartech offers a number of financing options, including outright purchase, operational leasing or rental, capital leasing, and revenue sharing.  For more information on Bartech Systems International, log onto www.usabartech.com.

Inter-Continental® Hotels and Resorts has been the preferred choice of the world's business travelers since 1946. From the many historic landmark hotels that are as much a part of a city's present as its glorious past�to the striking contemporary hotels that reflect the vibrant cultures they represent� to superb resorts that are both a tribute and an attribute to the natural beauty  surrounding them�Inter-Continental offers exceptional comfort, convenience and service throughout the world.