Press Release: Communication Enabling Technologies
January 25, 2001
ENGLEWOOD, CO -- Communication Enabling Technologies (CET) announced that Prime Hospitality Corp. (NYSE: PDQ) has
integrated CET's Internet telephone capability to its AmeriSuites and Wellesley Inn & Suites hotel chain websites.
This technology allows web customers to be immediately connected to reservation agents by simply clicking on a
``CallMe''(TM) telephone icon on a web page.
Partnering with CET to provide the telephone connection capability, Prime is enabling web customers to book reservations
with one less step. While browsing the reservation section of the websites, users have the choice of being instantly
connected to a reservation agent, or to set a designated time for the reservation agent to contact the customer.
This feature is useful for on-line browsers who lack multiple phone lines.
``This new Call Me capability adds a human touch to technological tools, and allows us to use technology to improve
customer service,'' explained Prime's Vice President of E-Commerce, DJ Vallauri. ``This will be helpful for those
people who access information on our websites, but don't feel comfortable booking rooms online, or have questions
that require the assistance of a live human being. Only a handful of luxury hotels are currently offering similar
technologies, and we are pleased to be able to provide the same type of service as these top properties.''
As a leading provider of interactive communications applications, CET has a wide array of customers across North
America utilizing its real-time online services to enhance customer relationship management. With advanced interactive
communications capabilities, customers can quickly convert their Websites into powerful contact centers for interactive
sales, customer service and support. CET's Internet technologies allow parties to communicate and interact in real-time
via the most powerful communication tool in history -- the telephone. This two-way communication allows both parties
to answer questions, tour a website, gain valuable information and complete online transactions.
``When it comes to customer service, there's nothing more personal than a live operator!'' says Darrin Stock, CEO
and founder of CET. ``And we're delighted to enhance the customer service capabilities for Prime Hospitality Corp.
and its national network of hotels. By combining the flexibility of a live telephone call with the power of the
Internet, the hotel chain's online reservation center has been transformed into a live communication center for
all forms of customer contact. This is just one example of our interactive communications strategies for implementing
cost-effective, web-based contact center solutions.''
About AmeriSuites
AmeriSuites (http://www.amerisuites.com) is a 130+ unit national chain
that provides comfortable accommodations with separate living and sleeping areas and a wide array of amenities
including kitchenettes, complimentary bountiful breakfast buffets, business class rooms and heated indoor or outdoor
pools.
About Wellesley Inn & Suites
Wellesley Inn & Suites (http://www.wellesleyinnandsuites.com)
is a 68-unit limited-service chain featuring many properties with suites with fully- equipped kitchens and separate
living, dining and cooking areas. All hotels offer expanded complimentary continental breakfast and in-room coffee
makers, and most feature pools and exercise rooms.
About Prime Hospitality Corp.
Prime Hospitality Corp., one of the nation's premiere lodging companies, owns, manages, develops and franchises
over 230 hotels throughout the United States. The Company owns and operates two proprietary brands that compete
in different segments: AmeriSuites® (all-suites) and Wellesley Inns & Suites® (limited-service). Also
within its portfolio are owned and/or managed hotels operated under franchised agreements with national hotels
chains including Hilton, Radisson, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Ramada.
About Communication Enabling Technologies, Inc.
Communication Enabling Technologies provides e-businesses with technology solutions that combine the power of the
Internet with the convenience of the telephone. CET's products deliver real-time multimedia directly to web customers
via the Internet, telephone, and wireless devices, any time of day, anywhere in the world. The company's products
take e-businesses to the next level in online customer relationship management, sales, marketing, information services,
and entertainment endeavors. CET is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, and has a research and development team
in Austin, Texas. More information about CET can be found at www.4cet.com.
SOURCE: Communication Enabling Technologies