PLDT, Micros-Fidelio ink pact for unbundling of services

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), the country’s largest technology conglomerate, and system software provider Micros-Fidelio Software (Phils.) Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding for the possible bundling of the two companies’ services for hotels, leisure clubs, resorts, and hospitals.

PLDT senior vice-president for the corporate business group Alfredo Panlilio said the MOU could result in a strong partnership that will tap the growing networking and software needs of this market segment.

"PLDT has always believed in the potential of bundling its services with other leaders in Information Technology such as Micros-Fidelio. Many now have learned that bundled services result to cost savings that could be channeled more profitably elsewhere," Panlilio said.

PLDT vice president for business solutions Nerisse S. Ramos said the partnership would bring the best of network solutions and hospitality solutions within reach by any type of hotel or leisure establishment, whether large or small.

"This will upgrade the capability of tourism-related businesses by providing them with tools at par with world-class service providers through cost-effective means," she said.

Micros-Fidelio is an established leader in software for the hospitality industry worldwide and has 85 to 90 percent of all five-star hotels in the country as clients.

Under the MOU, a working committee, whose members will be assigned by the two parties, shall undertake a study on how to go about with offering the bundled service, which will consist of PLDT’s network infrastructure and Micros-Fidelio’s Property Management Systems software.

PLDT’s network infrastructure includes broadband connection using DSL (digital subscriber line), VPN (virtual private network), RAS (remote access service), and wireless solutions. Micros-Fidelio’s property management systems comprise Micros Point of Sale, Fidelio V.7, Fidelio V.6, and Fidelio Opera.

Micros-Fidelio country manager Robert Y. Gabitan said the company has the same views about the Internet and wireless technologies as PLDT, and that this could help the company widen its reach.

He explained that Micros-Fidelio is already well established in the hotel industry and that it is now looking for new avenues of growth and tapping possible partners to help them achieve their goal.

"We are definitely committed to use IT to further enhance our solutions and we are definitely diversifying. We look forward to a lasting partnership that would be mutually beneficial to both companies," he said.

Micros-Fidelio is now exploring other markets such as resorts, clubs, hospitals, and even cruise ships. Its clients include Shangri-La Makati, Edsa Shangri-La, Heritage, Dusit, Westin, Hotel Intercontinental, Subic Bay Yacht Club, Oakwood, Fontana Leisure Park, Manila Polo Club, Tequila Jose and Dome Café, among others.

Gabitan said Micros-Fidelio and PLDT are now exploring opportunities for application service providers (ASPs) and wireless solutions for the hospitality industry.

Micros Systems Inc., the parent company of Micros-Fidelio Software (Phils) Inc., has over 120,000 Micros systems currently installed in table and quick service restaurants, hotels, motels, casinos, and leisure and entertainment operations in more than 130 countries. The brand name Micros-Fidelio, for the company’s property management systems and central reservation and customer solutions, is used by more than 10,000 hotels worldwide.