MagiNet Corporation launches the new MagiNet Laptop Connect (MLC), Africa`s first and only in-room Internet access solution that offers the business traveller a choice in connectivity options: a convenient and easy dial-up service; a broadband, high-speed and "always on" connectivity solution; and a wireless connectivity for "Internet Anywhere".
The company recognizes that laptop-carrying business travellers vary in their need for Internet access. Its Vice President of Marketing, Ms. Mika Saitoh, states: "A premium-priced broadband connection will not be valuable to a guest if he only wants to check his email and log on and off the Internet quickly. Likewise, a dial-up technology will not meet the demands of a power user who surfs the `Net aggressively and downloads heavy graphics, videos and audio files.
Some power users will require high speed Internet access not only in their rooms but anywhere within the hotel where they are booked.
MLC is the only solution available today that empowers the guest to choose the mode most suited to his preferred usage patterns, speed requirements and price preferences."
MLC Dial-up is a reliable, robust alternative to global roaming and local ISPs that provides Internet access at full speed (up to 56Kbps) of the guest`s modem via an internal hotel extension.
It connects directly to the dedicated server in the hotel so guests need not compete with thousands of users trying to connect to an ISP. Guests can avail of this service at a flexible per minute pricing equivalent to US$.20 per minute.
MLC Broadband is a high speed (over 10 Mbps) "always on" Internet laptop connectivity solution. It is made for users who carry an Ethernet LAN card. A true Plug & Play solution, MLC Broadband eliminates the need for the guest to change or set-up his laptop. All the IP addressing diagnostic intelligence is built into MLC, and through its special network address translation technology, the guest simply turns on his laptop for instantaneous access to the Internet.
There is no need to upgrade the telephone system of the hotel as MLC allows high-speed data communications to travel over the hotel`s existing wiring. MLC also keeps the phone lines free; ensuring continued optimal performance of the hotel`s PABX. MLC Broadband is priced at the equivalent of US$15.00 for a 24-hour unlimited usage.
MLC Broadband WLAN is MagiNet`s new wireless Internet access solution that enables laptop users "Internet Anywhere". Powered by the industry standard IEEE 802.11b, it provides high-speed access of up to 11Mbps, up to 200 times faster than dial-up connectivity services and comparable to corporate wired Ethernet LANs operating at 10Mbps.
With MLC Broadband WLAN, international business travellers staying in MagiNet-equipped hotels in South Africa will benefit from a powerful, high speed, "plug and play" and "always on" network solution, in the guest room, in meeting and conference rooms, in the lobby, lounge, even poolside.
Through the installation of WLAN access points and station adaptors in strategic locations in the hotel, MLC Broadband WLAN will allow laptop users with wireless Ethernet cards to gain high speed access to their email and corporate networks anywhere in the guest room and anywhere in the hotel, without having to be tethered via cable or be slave to the in-room desk.
For those hotel guests without a wireless LAN card, MLC Broadband WLAN enables the same secure, high-speed access via a standard PCMCIA card and cable connection to the in-room station adaptor.
Also available through MLC is www.MagiNet.Net, the Internet "vortal" which MagiNet forecasts to be the portal of choice for international business travellers, before, during and after a trip.
Whether the guest uses MLC Dial-up, MLC Broadband or MLC Broadband WLAN, MagiNet.Net will automatically display when he logs on and launches his browser.
Through MagiNet.Net, guests can peruse hotel information including room service menus or new movies playing in-room, as well as a wealth of local area news, dining, business, entertainment, shopping and transportation information. Updated daily, MagiNet.Net features local, regional and global news feeds and comprehensive city and country guides for major Asia Pacific destinations. For South Africa, MagiNet.Net is debuting with city guides for Johannesburg.
Share
