FCS’ Solutions Integrate with Swisscom Hospitality

FCS Computer Systems (FCS) and Swisscom Hospitality Services have integrated their respective applications portfolios.

Through a dedicated Application Programming Interface (API), FCS’s i-Guest mobile application ‘talks’ to Swisscom Hospitality’s ConnectedHotel TV & IPTV systems, replacing the TV remote control with the guest mobile phone and further enriching the in-room entertainment experience.

At the same time, guest orders and service requests placed through Swisscom Hospitality’s ConnectedHotel TV & IPTV systems seamlessly integrate with FCS e-Connect and c-Connect for various guest service requests to be fulfilled by the hotel’s staff.

Using the Smartphone as a Remote Control

Swisscom Hospitality and FCS’ applications now integrate with all key hotel systems – including the hotel’s Property Management System, the PABX and other rating systems – through a single processing interface.

Integrating the respective features of both parties’ applications, the new Swisscom Hospitality Application Programming Interface (API) is paving the way for a new media use in the guest room. For instance, with i-Guest the guest mobile device can drive the TV screen in addition to performing its own, native features: As soon as it is registered and recognized on the Swisscom-managed network, it serves as an extension of Swisscom ConnectedHotel TV or IPTV and operates the television interface seamlessly as a remote control.

“Our integration capability enables far-reaching scenarios for a new guest experience where all guest room functionality becomes mobile and independent of existing room hardware,” said Thomas di Giacomo, VP Global Service Development for Swisscom Hospitality. “At the same time, Swisscom Hospitality can monitor and manage all application interfaces 24/7 one-stop. We look forward to leveraging this potential through our global partnership with FCS. We can jointly deliver not only in EMEA and Asia Pacific, but also in the Americas and for chains naturally on a global scale.”

Akina Ho, VP of Strategy & Global Business Development for FCS, said, “This solution is a breakthrough for all hoteliers that wish to provide more than one way to serve their guests. Guests now can obtain hotel information and services anytime and anywhere on their own devices or within their room via their TV ... The partnership with Swisscom ensures that our combined solution can now be consistently deployed globally which solves a major headache for lots of hoteliers that want to obtain a consistent brand image and offering across the world as they expand.”

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