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LodgeNet Interactive Corporation, DOCOMO interTouch, Pte. Ltd. and Nomadix, Inc. announced a strategic alliance under which LodgeNet Broadband will market Freedom Internet, the just-released hospitality enterprise software developed by DOCOMO interTouch, along with Nomadix’s full range of access gateways.
With the strategic technology alliance LodgeNet Broadband offers hoteliers a hardware and software combination which, in conjunction with LodgeNet’s new monitoring solution and reporting portal, provides more robust hotel-level reporting, security, enhanced bandwidth shaping and management, and greater portal functionality. It will also enable enhanced conference room features, integrated business center connectivity and billing functions.
"This agreement positions LodgeNet to deliver an industry leading solution with the functionality and features that hotels are requesting and requiring, enabling us to move select functionality to the cloud as well as clearing a path to a fully converged broadband network solution – both of which are key elements of our growth strategy," said Steve Pofahl, Senior Vice President and General Manager of LodgeNet Broadband. "Together, we believe that combining the new DOCOMO interTouch/Nomadix solution with LodgeNet’s reach, scale and capability will set a new standard for hospitality HSIA solutions throughout North America."
Specifically, Pofahl said the new DOCOMO-LodgeNet relationship will:
- Facilitate a new solution and architecture encompassing traditional HSIA functionality as well as back office LAN management and security device management into a single product.
- Provide a single architecture for on-site convergence deployments or above property cloud management.
- Integrate conference management tools with HSIA and the business center with the back office, whether on property or in the cloud.
- Simplify and centralize management, reporting and troubleshooting to one platform.
- Enable a new suite of features and functionality including guest payment and pricing options, flexible splash page presentations, and unprecedented hotel control and visibility to their guest HSIA network.
"We are proud to partner with LodgeNet Broadband. Through this new and innovative alliance, we will be delivering a global broadband solution to leading hotels throughout North America, significantly expanding the footprint of our new hospitality products," said Charles Reed, Chief Executive Officer for DOCOMO interTouch. "This is a true alliance of leaders, and we believe there will be substantial benefits for everyone involved."
The agreements also resolve all outstanding litigation between the parties and open the way for cooperative developments in other areas of business. For example, DOCOMO interTouch has licensed LodgeNet’s conference management solution and expects to include it as part of their product offering in international markets. The parties are also exploring other cooperative business relationships.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
