Jazz Fusion

Case Studies

Case Study: Hawk's Cay Resort



JAZZ for Windows Terminal Server

SDD's JAZZ communications accounting software operates under Windows Terminal Server Edition at Hawk's Cay Resort in the Florida Keys. In this environment, implementation of JAZZ allows centralized processing and data storage. The Terminal Server approach lowers costs by operating on inexpensive "thin" client terminals, eliminates individual client software installations, and reduces and centralizes technical support personnel. This networked system allows a seamless flow of information from the PBX to the PMS and full-featured, multi-user access from any networked terminal. It illustrates the JAZZ product's ability to operate under Microsoft Server and with similar products from Citrix.

Hawk's Cay Resort Profile

Located 90 miles south of Miami in the heart of the Florida Keys, Hawk's Cay Resort offers elegant accommodations in true "West Indies" fashion. Island-style guestrooms and ocean side villas provide a tropical retreat, while guest recreation opportunities include four distinctive dining rooms, 8 tennis courts, the Island Adventure children center and exclusive privileges at a championship golf course. In addition, this 60-acre resort boasts a 110-slip, full service marina with charter boat services, and an on-site salt-water lagoon offering a variety of watersports.

Hawk's Cay Technology

The information systems at Hawk's Cay are accessible from two Windows Terminal Servers. Users of the system have access to public files, a common desktop, and storage facilities from virtually any networked terminal, with all processing being done on the terminal server. All systems are accessible to Hawk's Cay employees from home or office, and can be run on small, inexpensive machines using terminal server client software. There are benefits to management as well. Security is centrally managed by user profiles, only those with permission can access certain software programs. Also, because software installation and maintenance is focused on the servers, client installation and maintenance is streamlined as well.

Impact of Implementing JAZZ at Hawk's Cay

The existing Hawk's Cay call accounting system costed and posted outgoing calls. However management was discouraged by the billing, reporting, and analysis limitations of the systems. They wanted a system that gave them a flexible means of reporting and analyzing call and revenue data, beyond the once a day printout of call records. They also needed a real time monitoring tool that would anticipate and alert them to problems. Finally, they wanted a network solution that could run on their existing Windows Terminal Server environment.

Hawk' Cay analysis found that SDD JAZZ delivered the functionality their earlier system lacked, including multi-user functional and data level security, precise establishment and reporting of calls and call profits, and the flexibility of a Windows based solution. Hawks Cay also found that SDD JAZZ operated seemlessly with their investment in Microsoft Terminal Server.

The financial impact of the JAZZ installation was felt immediately. On average, Hawk's Cay is recording $1000 per day more in phone revenue than they had with their previous communications accounting system. Director of Information Technology Todd Erickson has predicted a 20-day return on investment.

Before the JAZZ installation, only one Hawk's Cay employee had contact with the communications accounting system; this was to collect the nightly call report. Generation of this report required physical access to the PBX. Currently, 8 or 9 people work with the JAZZ system on a daily basis, representing the front deck, accounting, and the call center, in addition to both the controller and general manager. The accurate costing of calls has helped improve guest services and eliminate complaints over incorrect phone charges, while the call coster and inquiry screens allow system users to accurately predetermine the cost of calls. Management has found that the enhanced reporting capabilities allow them to accurately account for phone revenue and expenses, and to closely monitor phone usage.

Hawk's Cay's Windows Terminal Server and SDD JAZZ implementation has limited the incremental increase in cost from ongoing operations. The installation of the JAZZ application onto the server eliminated the need for additional client software and the hardware necessary to run it. At the same time, the desktops of those assigned to the JAZZ user profile were quickly updated and accessible from any networked terminal.

When asked about his reaction to JAZZ operating under Windows Server, I.T. Director Todd Erickson simply replied, "Incredible." Hawk's Cay management was impressed by SDD's willingness to work with resort personnel to create a customized system, and consider this to be a strong vendor/client relationship.

More Information

For more information on SDD's communications accounting Products and Services, call (561) 276-7004, check out our website at www.sddsystems.com, or email us.

What's your strategy?
Voice Strategies
Internet Strategies
Management & Analysis
Tell Us Your Strategy

What are industry
leaders doing?

Leading Practices
Case Studies
White Papers

What's new with
Jazz Fusion?

HILTON in the UK/Ireland
Opulentia Certified For Europe
JAZZ Fusion in Asia Pacific
Copyright © 2007 Systems Design & Development, Inc. All rights reserved. Legal Notices and Terms of Use
Infinite Menus, Copyright 2006, OpenCube Inc. All Rights Reserved.