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An iPhone app to bypass front desks and open room locks

March 02, 2010 |

US based OpenWays launched an application for smartphones (embedded or mobile web-based) that allows travelers to check-in remotely, bypass the front desk and open the door to their room by simply pressing a

Those traveling with an iPhone, BlackBerry, NOKIA, Android-based or other Windows-based mobile cell phone can securely obtain an encrypted room key in "full data mode" -- as long as they are staying at a hotel that enables the OpenWays mobile key service.

The OpenWays solution was introduced in November as a way to enable any of the 4 billion cell phones in the world to receive a dematerialized key via an encrypted acoustic tone to bypass the front desk and access door locks. This ubiquitous solution uses the principle of Crypto Acoustic Credential (CACTM) and text messaging (SMS) to very securely deliver a key to the right user anywhere in the world. The solution is compatible with the major electronic-locking systems and access-control systems. The acoustic key produced is unique, and thanks to OpenWays patents-pending solutions, a fraudulent recording of the key will be made inefficient to open a door.

"This smartphone application is designed to leverage the power of mobile device technology and provide enhanced convenience to hotel guests," said Pascal Metivier, OpenWays Founder and CEO. "It can operate either as a standalone application or embedded within other cell-phone-based travel and hotel applications provided by the various hotel chains."

He said providers of property-management and central-reservation systems also are embedding the OpenWays solution within their own apps. MICROS-Fidelio, for example, has incorporated the OpenWays application into MICROS OPERA

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