Last week, the 500 Room, 5 star property, set a new benchmark in the Sri Lankan Hospitality industry for customer service and convenience with an Internet Protocol (IP) telephony solution from Avaya (NYSE:AV) and Avaya's local business partner Keells Business Systems Limited . The fully integrated voice solution enables Galadari to provide a host of communications capabilities, from centralized guest service functions to in-room communications, throughout the hotel and its 500 guest rooms.

The Galadari Hotel is situated in the heart of Colombo . Overlooking the Serenity of the Indian Ocean , and situated in the midst of the Business District. The Galadari Hotel Colombo is an Elite 500 Room Property, positively positioned in the Corporate Community over the past decade as the “Businessman's Home in Colombo “. The newly refurbished Presidential Floor and a well appointed Executive Floor complete with a Lounge, a Business Centre and the most modern facilities available in every bedroom, making it a very attractive proposition for the discerning traveler.

With Galadari’s vision set out to be the “Businessman's Home in Colombo”, “Enhanced guest services becomes utmost priority for Galadari," said Sampath Siriwardena, General Manager, Galadari Hotel. "We were committed in utilizing the very best technology to work in innovative ways, to enhance guest services and reduce costs. Avaya met that challenge with an intelligent IP communications solution that enables our guests to enjoy new levels of customer service throughout the hotel."

Galadari uses a combination of Avaya IP screen phones, Avaya Digital phones and Analogue phones throughout the hotel, guest rooms and its customer service facilities to deliver a variety of services. The new IP phones installed at Executive suites has the capability to publish information about the hotel's services and will enable the guests to seamlessly access the hotel staff.

"It is exciting to be part of Galadari's vision of creating the ultimate guest experience and the future for hotel service," said Thusha Weerasooriya, CEO, Keells Business Systems Limited . "Working with our alliance partner, Avaya, we've harnessed the value of Avaya's IP telephony solution, built on open standards, to create communications capabilities that sets a new benchmark in the luxury hospitality industry."

The Galadari Hotel’s professional staff will also use Avaya Extension-to-Cellular, enabling the user's cellular phone to ring simultaneously when their office extension is dialed, for fewer missed calls and prompt guest service.

Hotel operators will use specialized software to serve guests more quickly and effectively. The hospitality version of console with a programmable keyboard that will enable operators to efficiently and knowledgably help guest and employee callers throughout the property. Functioning as the main answering console and database for Galadari Hotel, it will house guest information, such as do-not-disturb preferences and other special reach instructions, in order to expedite call and message delivery, in addition to wake-up call administration, voice messaging and other guest services. The system also stores vital contact information for the hotel employees for flexible, effective management.

Avaya S8710 IP based Telephony Solution, is designed specifically for Hotel businesses. Avaya IP Telephony Solution is a reliable, secure, high-performance voice and data server that has the ability to links branch offices and remote workers for seamless and cost-effective communications. Included with each system is a contact center application that now is helping the Hotel to serve its growing base of clients.

Keells Business Systems Limited . installed the Avaya IP Telephony Solution for Galadari and is providing ongoing maintenance and support.

About Avaya

Avaya Inc. designs, builds and manages communications networks for more than 1 million businesses worldwide, including more than 90 percent of the FORTUNE 500®. Focused on businesses large to small, Avaya is a world leader in secure and reliable Internet Protocol (IP) telephony systems and communications software applications and services.

Driving the convergence of voice and data communications with business applications - and distinguished by comprehensive worldwide services - Avaya helps customers leverage existing and new networks to achieve superior business results. For more information visit the Avaya Web site: www.avaya.com.

About Keells Business Systems Limited (KBSL)

KBSL, is a fully owned subsidiary of John Keels Holdings which has been in the IT industry since 1987. We have our vision set out in the global market with a clear mandate to be strategic partners with our valued customers in fulfilling their consulting, system integrations and IT enabled services needs. The heart of our success can be attributed to our leadership, competency, technical superiority, versatility and highly dynamic, professional team. For more information visit the KBSL Web site : www.kbslit.com