Datapulse brings IP to hotels

Gitex Times - Sunday, 25 September, 2005

Datapulse is using its debut appearance at Gitex to mark its formal launch in the region. The computer telephony company already has a strong presence in the local market through its long-standing ties with its regional partners, such as Nortel Networks and Alpha Data. However, the company has now planted its flag firmly in the region by opening its own office in Dubai's Knowledge Village.

"We have been in the Middle East market for a while, but we felt now was the right time to really launch our name and our products here," comments Trevor Crook, senior product marketing manager, Datapulse.

The company boasts more than 20 years experience in computer telephony. It provides a wide range of computer telephony solutions suitable for SMBs through to larger multi-site and multinational organisations. The company also touts an extensive range of skills and expertise including IP, operator solutions, contact centre skills, symposium deployment, CTI, XML, database and directory integration among others.

At Gitex, the company is showcasing all of these areas, as well as promoting its new presence in the booming Middle East region. "Gitex is an extremely important show for the market in the Middle East and Africa region, and with the growth and prosperity that is being seen here, we felt it was the right time for us too,' says Crook.

Datapulse, which has 15 years' experience of working with Nortel as a development partner, is particularly focusing on developing the UAE and Saudi markets. Its key product focus at Gitex, meanwhile, is its applications for its IP sets, particularly a new service targeted at the hospitality sector.

"With our IP technology, a telephone in a hotel can be more than just a telephone," explains Crook.

"The phone can also be used to send messages, as well as enabling the customer to use the touchscreen to alter the air conditioning temperature, or to order room service. It is even possible for the guest to view the food menu," he adds.

Using such an advanced system has a number of advantages for hotels. These include the reduced usage of paper, as guests can access details about the hotel, its food menus or room service bills via the touchscreen rather than on paper.

The system is already used by a number of hotels around the world, including the famous Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, and Datapulse has also had inquiries from hotels in the Middle East region. "We have had some interest already in this application and we hope that Gitex will help launch not only our products into the region, but also our company," says Crook.

Datapulse is also highlighting other products at Gitex that are receiving their regional debut. These include its operator module console, its citrix applications gateway and Vood, which provides vertical applications, as well as its IP to analogue converter boxes.