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Intercontinental Hotels Group chooses Mitel to deliver IP telephony solution

World`s largest and most global hotel company stays ahead of curve with Mitel`s IP communications solution
Johannesburg, 29 Jul 2004

The InterContinental Hotels Group, PLC (IHG), the world`s largest and most global hotel company with more than 3 500 hotels worldwide, including Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza and Candlewood Suites brands - is implementing a Mitel IP telephony solution at the Holiday Inn Gwinnett Centre in Duluth, Georgia. Mitel is a leading provider of IP communications solutions.

IHG has chosen this property as a real-world environment to prototype next-generation technologies. As a full service property, this Holiday Inn provides the ultimate proving ground for emerging technologies and their potential for widespread adoption within IHG.

Pinnacle Communications, a Maryland-based, nationwide Mitel platinum solutions provider, implemented the IP telephony solution.

IHG will utilise Mitel`s 3300 Integrated Communications Platform (ICP) solution and over 150 IP phones to equip the property`s guestrooms. This implementation demonstrates IHG`s forward thinking use of technology as a means to improve the guest experience and leverage existing network investments.

The Mitel solution enables IHG to enter the world of IP communications at its own pace, providing basic IP telephony today while allowing integration of a wide range of IP devices and applications including advanced CRM and wireless services in the future.

"With our Gwinnett Centre property, we strive to seamlessly combine the value and experience people expect from Holiday Inn with the new technologies that will define the hotel of the future," said Gustaaf Schrils, VP Technology and Services, IHG.

"With Mitel`s IP solution we have converged and future-proofed our voice and data network while delivering the wide-range of hospitality-specific telephony features Holiday Inn guests are accustom to. As we move beyond basic IP telephony we look forward to enabling IP applications that will continue to enhance the guest experience and operational efficiency."

"We are excited that IHG and Holiday Inn have selected Mitel for their initial venture into the world of IP Telephony," said Andy Bull, director for Mitel South Africa.

"Mitel is a recognised leader in delivering communication solutions to the hospitality industry. It is only appropriate that we now provide a path forward into IP telephony while meeting traditional expectations such as delivering critical push-button services to guests. This IP solution enables a wide variety of wired and wireless applications, ranging from curb-side check-in to supply chain management, all through the 3300 ICP solution."

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Mitel

Mitel is a market-leader for voice, video, and data convergence over broadband networks. With a focus on the user experience, the company delivers advanced communications solutions that are easily customised for individual business needs. Through intuitive desktop appliances and applications, businesses are provided with innovative ways to manage information and resources. Vertical markets benefit from integrated solutions that protect existing investments, while enabling new ways to be more cost-effective and productive.

Mitel is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada with offices, partners and resellers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.mitel.com.

InterContinental Hotels Group

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world`s most global hotel company and the largest by number of rooms. InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, more than 3 500 hotels and 535 000 guestrooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world (www.ichotelsgroup.com).

InterContinental Hotels Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Hotel Indigo, and also has a controlling interest in Britvic, the second largest soft drinks manufacturer in the UK.

With more than 1 500 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts is the most widely recognised lodging brand in the world. Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts provides the services that business travellers need, while also offering a comfortable atmosphere where all people can relax and enjoy amenities such as restaurants and room service, swimming pools, fitness centres and comfortable lounges. The casual atmosphere and amenities such as meeting and on-site business facilities, KidSuites rooms, and the Kids Eat Free programme demonstrate the long-standing commitment of Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts to providing what matters most to travellers.

Editorial contacts

Alison Bull
Alison Bull Communications
(011) 783 0594
abcomms@iafrica.com