Torch Doha Becomes Middle East's First Hotel to Launch iPad Services

Doha, September 09 (QNA) The Torch Doha, Qatar's 300-meter tall iconic hotel, on Sunday took a quantum leap in redefining hospitality by launching an iPad-based application that brings all room services on a touch-screen and the finger-tip of the user for the first time in the Middle East. The innovative application of software and hardware that makes availing room services quickly, efficiently and comfortably is the result of the collaboration between Aspire Katara Investments, The Torch Doha, Aspire Zone Foundation and Mahindra Satyam, the solution implementer. Speaking today at a media conference, held to unveil the iPad touch screen room services solution, The Torch Doha Hotel Manager Sherif Sabry said, "Qatar is redefining the concept of hospitality in the Middle East by adding such technology driven innovations that make services fast, efficient and an enjoyable experience in all our 163 rooms and suites." Indian company Mahindra Satyam has implemented the iPad based In-Room Integrated Solution that allows a user to order, either in Arabic or English language, all room services and store in its memory the personal preferences for future use. A guest can order food, switch on/off or adjust lights, listen to radio, music, watch television, draw curtains, temperature control, access the Internet, read newspapers online Do Not Disturb sign, Make My Room, doorbell requests and access their hotel account, executives said in their presentation and gave a demonstration on how the iPad system works to the media. Aspire Zone Chief Information Technology Advisor Niyas Abdulrahiman said, "This is a proud moment for all of us in Qatar. This innovative technology will differentiate us in the market and set new benchmarks in the hospitality sector." The executives did not reveal to Qatar News Agency (QNA) the cost of developing, integrating and implementing the iPad-based technology. However, Sabry replied, "It is a value added service without any extra charges that a guest can comfortably use." Regarding software updates and security issues, Mahindra Satyam's Doha-based Assistant Vice President and Regional Head Sudhir Yannawar said, "This software is certified by Apple and compatible with Apple platform so all future application upgrades and enhancements would be seamlessly incorporated." Assuring about system security, Abdulrahiman added, "We have a robust and integrated IT setup at the Aspire Zone so this application is very secure and all potential threats have been taken care off." Asked about anti-theft deterrence, Yannawar told QNA, "We have made provision for a rigorous Anti-Theft System (ATS). If a person even takes a step outside the hotel room with the iPad, an alert alarm will ring within 30 seconds in seven different departments besides the hotel security." Can new-age technology be used by guests above the age of 50 years who are not so versatile like youngsters grown up with computers? Sabry replied, "It is user-friendly and not as complicated as it seems. However, we have trained our staff on how to orient guests with the iPad. If some guest still cannot handle it, we have the old system of ring the bell or call room service on the phone." (QNA)