October 6, 2010 – KABA, the provider of Saflok and ILCO electronic locks, announced it has joined forces with OpenWays to deploy the world’s first keyless technology that enables guests to check-in remotely and unlock their hotel door with their mobile phone. IHG is the first company to install the innovative MobileKey entry solution at its Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Houston - Downtown Convention Center.

Smartphone access cuts keycard costs, motivates travelers to book directly with the hotel company

“KABA’s work with OpenWays provides advanced smartphone hotel check-in technology that makes it possible for guests to bypass the front desk for greater convenience and operating efficiency," said Kerry Hirschy, senior vice president of sales and marketing for KABA. “This is a perfect solution for road warriors and busy travelers looking to skip the check-in process simply by using a mobile phone to quickly gain access to their hotel room."

“The OpenWays application is designed to leverage the power of all mobile phones and provide enhanced convenience to hotel guests," said Pascal Metivier, OpenWays founder and CEO. “KABA locks are used worldwide by hotels of all types. Partnering with KABA enables us to bring OpenWays mobile solutions to the masses."

KABA was tapped by IHG to implement the smartphone system at its Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Houston - Downtown Convention Center. KABA retrofitted all property locks with the OpenWays Crypto Acoustic Credential (CAC™) upgrade module.

Works in tandem with keycards, offers freedom of choice

The OpenWays cell phone solution works in tandem with normal keycard operations and KABA locks handle both keycard and OpenWays phone access. The new access system offers freedom of choice. A guest can use his or her mobile phone and go straight to their guestroom, or go to the front desk and get a keycard. The system works with any smartphone including the iPhone 4G, Android, Nokia Symbian, Blackberrys, Windows Phone 7, and with all other cell phones.

The MobileKey application uses a Crypto Acoustic Credential and text messaging (short message service, SMS) to securely deliver a key code to the right user anywhere in the world via a unique sound pattern. Thanks to OpenWays technologies, fraudulent sound recordings are ineffective. Nearby guests are not disturbed by the acoustic unlocking code since the sound is no louder than someone speaking into a phone.

About KABA, Saflok, ILCO | KABA is a globally active, publicly traded security corporation. With its “Total Access" strategy, KABA specializes in integrated solutions for security, organization, and convenience at building and information access points. KABA is also the world market’s number-one provider of key blanks, key cutting and coding machines, transponder keys, and high-security locks. It is a leading provider of electronic access systems, locks, master key systems, hotel locking systems, security doors, and automatic doors. www.kaba.com.

Saflok has been a member of KABA since 2006. Saflok is a market innovator with nearly 30 years of experience designing, manufacturing, and distributing electronic locks and systems. Its solutions are installed globally in the hospitality, lodging, multihousing, and commercial markets. Saflok is committed to delivering best-in-class solutions that help properties achieve improved operations and reduced costs. www.saflok.com.

ILCO is a division of KABA. The ILCO brand is known worldwide for electronic locks that offer exceptional quality and technology innovation at competitive prices. ILCO is also a leader in key blanks, automotive transponder technology, key cutting/duplication machines and brass replacement cylinders. www.ilcolodging.com.

About OpenWays | OpenWays is a global solution provider of mobile-based access-management and security solutions. With offices in Chicago, Las Vegas, Seoul and Paris, OpenWays provides technology solutions allowing for the secure issuance and delivery of access rights and key processes via any cell phone operating on any network. The OpenWays solution is truly unique as it built on the concept of credential dematerialization. The OpenWays mobile room key solution works on ALL the 5 billion cell phones in service in the world today. For more information, please contact Pascal Metivier at ++ 33 6 85 622 306 or email [email protected] or Barb Worcester at +1 440 930 5770 or email [email protected]. .

Dena Reyes
Marketing Communications Manager
+1 (407) 438-7949