Jason Hope Explores Internet of Things as Newest Technology Solution for Hotels
SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwired - Aug 1, 2014) - The "Internet of Things" (IoT) has become a popular catchphrase for the tech industry as advancements in smart devices grow. Simply put, it refers to any device that is network-enabled, allowing it 2-way communication whether it's a pacemaker, home thermostat, refrigerator or any number of other micro-scale transponders. According to Arizona entrepreneur and philanthropist Jason Hope, one of the big sectors poised to benefit from the exponential growth in the Internet of Things is the hospitality industry.
With the explosion in internet-enabled consumer devices such as smartphones and tablets, the general public is rapidly becoming accustomed to new applications -- which quickly become normalized and expected. Whether it's securing transportation through companies like ZipCar, Uber and Lyft or even finding a date through OKCupid and Tinder -- the ubiquitous nature and convenience of internet technology makes it essential for the hospitality industry to follow suit.
"As the Internet of Things becomes more pervasive, and consumers get more used to having these amenities in their homes, they will invariably end up demanding these same amenities be made available to them when they're on the road," said Jason Hope. "For example, simple things like being able to hook their smartphone up to the heating and A/C unit in their room, these are things that people are going to be expecting."
According to information technology research and advisory company Gartner, Inc., more than 26 billion units are expected to be installed by 2020, representing an almost 30-fold increased from 0.9 billion units in 2009. IoT products and service suppliers are projected to generate more than $300 billion in revenue, resulting in a $1.9 trillion global economic value.
With the guiding principle of the hospitality industry being an easy, seamless melding of comfort, efficiency and personal attention, the Internet of Things offers hundreds of solutions to the many potential problems that guest services regularly address. For example, with a smart minibar, items can not only be billed automatically, but inventory monitored and refills automatically ordered, or a personalized guest profile might be built to ensure that it is stocked with the visitor's favorite drinks and snacks in advance of their arrival. The technology can be taken to an even further, logical extension -- for instance, facial recognition software that alerts a front desk receptionist to a returning guest and all their personal preferences so the hotel can deliver the most personalized service possible.
Jason Hope is an inventor, entrepreneur and futurist based in Scottsdale, AZ. His passion for philanthropy has led him to donate time and money in a range of projects in the fields of education, scientific research, disease cure and biotechnology. True Colors Fund, The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, The Andre Agassi Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix, The Tony Hawk Foundation, Family Health International, T Gen Foundation, Worldwide Orphans Foundation and the Arizona Science Center have all benefitted from Hope's assistance.
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