Ecast and Walsh Vision Team Up to Deliver the First 4G Wireless Concierge Digital Signage Solution for the Hospitality Industry
SAN RAMON, CA, (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Ecast and
Walsh Vision announced today the launch of SmartConcierge(TM), an enterprise-level, touchscreen software solution providing the first ever mobile, interactive, and customizable concierge service for hotels. SmartConcierge leverages 4G wireless connectivity in an advanced digital signage platform, making it the first truly plug-and-play concierge solution for the hospitality industry. Ecast is a leader of in-location interactive touchscreen media solutions, providing innovative digital signage solutions to the hospitality and retail industries. Walsh Vision is a leading wireless solutions integrator, offering full-service cellular wireless solutions and consulting to public sector and enterprise organizations nationwide.
The SmartConcierge Difference SmartConcierge delivers the features, functionality and tools that hotel managers need to optimize their brand presence to their guests, directly from the hotel lobby. The solution supplements existing concierge services during high traffic- and off-hours, as well as functions as a standalone concierge service for establishments that do not currently have a concierge department.
SmartConcierge features a user-friendly touchscreen, allowing guests to explore on-property amenities with just a few taps of the screen. Guests can quickly access information about a hotel's restaurant, golf course, spa, and convention facilities, as well as view photos, menus, reviews, and utilize its wayfinding capabilities. Guests can make dinner or spa reservations on the screen and get reminders sent straight to their mobile phone.
SmartConcierge's Dine Nearby and Wayfinder modules allow the solution to extend its reach beyond the hotel walls. It seamlessly interfaces with popular social media sites, such as Yelp(TM), Facebook(TM), Twitter(TM), FourSquare(TM), Groupon(TM), and LivingSocial(TM), making planning an evening out convenient and easy for hotel guests. SmartConcierge enables guests to lookup driving directions, research nearby activities and attractions, as well as find local restaurants recommended by the hotel. By providing directions through Google Maps(TM), the information delivered by the SmartConcierge is consistently accurate, relevant, and up-to-date.
"Ecast is thrilled to introduce this solution to the hospitality industry," said John Taylor, CEO of Ecast. "We designed SmartConcierge to help hotels drive increased use of their amenities and ensure every guest receives consistently exceptional concierge services."
When not in use, SmartConcierge becomes a digital sign, delivering engaging, full-screen graphical content promoting the hotel's brand and customized content.
Benefits of Wireless Connectivity Walsh Vision offers the most affordable means of connectivity on the market currently, utilizing the best cellular, wireless and satellite services available. Walsh Vision's wireless enablement of Ecast's SmartConcierge provides the hospitality industry with a true plug-and-play solution, allowing the solution to be installed in any location where there is a wireless signal. 4G cellular technology provides the power and reliability of cable connectivity at a much more affordable cost, eliminating the need for hardline installation.
"This is the first truly affordable and practical 'virtual concierge' solution on the market today," said Christopher Ezell, Director of Business Development for Walsh Vision. "To get this level of advanced and customized digital content, hotels were previously looking at expensive and lengthy infrastructure build-outs. We are offering the best of both worlds, utilizing cost-effective 4G technology that can be installed almost anywhere. It's as simple as hanging the unit on the wall and plugging it in."
About Walsh Vision
Walsh Vision, formed by the merging of Walsh Wireless and Vision Wireless, can trace its roots in the wireless technologies industry back to 1999. Walsh Vision is a systems integrator focusing on cellular wireless solutions. Walsh Vision helps companies to design, deploy, and manage wireless solutions specific to digital signage networks, kiosk networks, point of sale, ATM, satellite back channel, wire line backup, M2M, and vehicle telematics. Having provided services to a list of over 50 Fortune 500 customers, Walsh Vision has the experience to help ensure their customer's success at any stage of their wireless deployment. See
www.WalshVision.com for more information.
About Ecast
For over ten years, Ecast has been a leader of in-location, interactive media solutions. Our extensible software platform provides consistent brand experiences and compelling consumer engagements in strategically valuable media environments while taking advantage of the flexibility, measurability and transaction capabilities of the web.
An early interactive media pioneer, Ecast built the first 100% hosted, broadband hospitality network which today delivers digital music, wayfinding, coupons, social media, third party content and advertising to 10,000 venues, including bars, retail stores, restaurants, event pavilions and sports arenas. Ecast's robust platform serves over 1 billion ad, brand and social media impressions per month to the top DMAs and runs on leading 3rd party hardware platforms. See www.ecastnetwork.com for more information.
