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Siemens Debuts HiPath(TM) Hospitality Real-Time Communications Solution

Posted on: Tuesday, 22 June 2004, 06:00 CDT

DALLAS, June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens Information and Communication Networks Inc., a subsidiary of Siemens AG , announces the HiPath Hospitality real-time communications solution. The solution, which is being demonstrated at the Hospitality Industry Technology Expo and conference (HITEC) June 21-24 in Dallas, provides medium to large hotels sophisticated communications features to help them enhance guest access to services as well as giving them tools to increase efficiency and better manage operations.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021029/SILOGO )

The HiPath Hospitality communications solution comprises the Siemens HiPath 4000 real-time IP system for delivering voice services, a comprehensive hospitality voice messaging system capable of multiple languages, an interface to front- and back-office property management systems (PMSs), and a specialized PC-based HiPath Hospitality Service Center.

With the HiPath 4000 system able to scale up to 100,000 users, the HiPath Hospitality solution is designed to handle the demands of even the largest hotels. It also can be networked to support a chain of multisite properties, across vast distances if needed. And, with its IP convergence capabilities, the HiPath 4000 system can support circuit-switched networks, protecting a property's legacy investments in analog room phones and other communication devices such as fax machines. At the same time, it can support an IP-based, packet data network or a mix of both circuit and packet network environments.

The HiPath Hospitality solution's voice messaging system allows guests and staff to have their own secure voice mailboxes. Callers can leave messages for guests who have reservations but are yet to arrive. Multiparty conferencing is supported, and several telephone features help to ensure guest privacy. A range of language modules is available that can offer guests the ability to interact with the system in their own language. In fact, the automatic wake up system can be set for customized messages delivered in up to 12 languages.

To deliver management features, the HiPath Hospitality solution combines the advanced telephony features of the HiPath 4000 real-time IP system with an application package that can interface with leading third-party PMSs. Flexible call routing features such as night service, call pickup, trunk answer from any station, and auto-attendant allow staff to answer calls wherever they are, helping to reduce staff requirements and freeing them to serve guests.

The HiPath Hospitality solution's HiPath Hospitality Service Center (HHSC) is a PC-based, client-server application that works like a traditional switchboard, allowing operators to control call flow easily via a PC screen. In addition, the HHSC gives users the means to manage call traffic much like a call center and employs a centralized data store that synchronizes guest data with other applications.

"More than most industries, hotel management is driven by hospitality and guest expectations on the one hand and bottom line considerations on the other," said Joseph Licata, president of the Enterprise Networks division, Siemens Information and Communications Inc. "And because the first set of demands drives costs and the second set drives profits, these demands are best addressed simultaneously. The HiPath Hospitality solution helps management satisfy both sides of this equation."

About Siemens

Siemens AG is one of the world's largest global electronics and engineering companies with reported worldwide sales of $80.5 billion in fiscal 2003. Founded more than 150 years ago, the company is a leader in the areas of Information and Communications, Automation and Control, Power, Transportation, Medical, and Lighting. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA has sales of $16.6 billion and employs 65,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Ten of Siemens' worldwide businesses are based in the United States. With its global headquarters in Munich, Siemens AG and its subsidiaries employ 417,000 people in 192 countries. For more information on Siemens in the United States: http://www.usa.siemens.com/.

About Siemens Information and Communication Networks Group

Siemens Information and Communication Networks Group is a leading provider of network and applications technology for enterprises, carriers and service providers. ICN's product strategy is focused on next-generation switching, next-generation access, and next-generation optics. ICN's flagship brands are HiPath for enterprises, SURPASS for carriers, and SpeedStream voice, data and video broadband solutions for business and residential customers.

NOTE: HiPath is a trademark of Siemens AG. All other company, brand, product, and service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

This release contains forward-looking statements based on beliefs of Siemens management. The words "anticipate,""believe,""estimate,""forecast,""expect,""intend,""plan,""should," and "project" are used to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the company's current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results to be materially different, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates, introduction of competing products, lack of acceptance of new products or services and changes in business strategy. Actual results may vary materially from those projected here. Siemens does not intend or assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Photo: Newscom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021029/SILOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840

Siemens Information and Communication Networks Inc.

CONTACT: Suzanne Crow of Siemens Information and Communication NetworksInc., +1-703-262-2689, suzanne.crow@icn.siemens.com

Web site: http://www.usa.siemens.com/

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