Nobu Hotels is advancing its tradition of innovation by upgrading its AI-enhanced wired, wireless, and SD-WAN infrastructure. This upgrade, based on Zero Trust principles, is powered by an end-to-end HPE Aruba Networking solution from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The enhanced network is now providing secure, advanced connectivity at select Nobu properties worldwide.
The new deployment improves connectivity for mobile and IoT devices, as well as AI-driven applications, in support of luxury services such as an AI Concierge. Accessible via an in-room digital voice assistant or the Nobu mobile app, the AI Concierge is always available to respond to guest requests and offer proactive recommendations based on real-time data and individual preferences. This networking solution also introduces AI-powered intelligence that increases operational efficiency and strengthens data security, ensuring that Nobu Hotels can meet the high expectations of its discerning guests.
“Our connectivity vision emphasises a secure, seamless, hyper-personalised guest experience that leverages advanced technologies, including various types of artificial intelligence infused throughout before, during, and post-stay interactions,” said Rodney Linville, Global Head of IT for Nobu Hospitality. “This includes smart rooms, personalised services, advanced CRM and property management capabilities, housekeeping and maintenance automation, digital staff communications, and exceptional data security built on Zero Trust.”
Nobu Hotels has prioritised strong security to meet the expectations of its clientele. The new network, built on Zero Trust principles, safeguards its IoT-enabled environment and connectivity-driven services.
In guest accommodations, IoT technologies include door automation, security cameras, digital voice assistants, Apple TVs, lighting controls, automated window blinds, in-room dining orders, and HVAC sensors, enabling guests to fine-tune their climate settings. Operationally, Nobu’s IoT systems include point-of-sale devices, tablets for staff mobility, and panic buttons for safety. Housekeeping is automated with systems like HotSOS, Hub OS, and Knowcross, while facilities management benefits from IoT-enabled preventative and maintenance automation solutions.
“Innovative upscale hospitality companies depend upon secure, streamlined, and simplified connectivity for providing the capability to meet the rapidly evolving expectations of their discriminating guests,” said Larry Lunetta, Vice President, AI, Security and Networking Product Marketing at HPE Aruba Networking. “Whether it’s establishing a Zero Trust security posture, seamlessly connecting IoT systems, or reducing power consumption with energy efficient networking hardware, having a high-performance intelligent wired, wireless, and SD-WAN networking enables Nobu Hotels to focus on providing iconic hospitality experiences rooted in culinary greatness worldwide.”
To meet Nobu Hotels’ advanced connectivity requirements while reducing operational overheads, the company has implemented AI-driven HPE Aruba Networking Central for managing campus, branch, remote, data centre, and IoT networks from a single dashboard. Additionally, HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass has been fully deployed to provide robust role-based access policies, implementing Zero Trust security. HPE Aruba Networking User Experience Insight (UXI) proactively identifies network degradations before they affect user experiences.
“Our strategic deployment of HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass and the Dynamic Segmentation capability within our wired switches ensures we can realize our Zero Trust vision without adding IT or operational overhead,” said Linville. “In addition, having the visibility to monitor and troubleshoot every property, as well as the one-click ability to apply a network update worldwide, makes HPE Aruba Networking Central a tremendous benefit.”
Looking ahead, Nobu Hotels plans to leverage its new networking infrastructure to continue driving innovation in a competitive market still recovering from the impact of the recent pandemic.
“HPE Aruba Networking is attentive to our industry-specific needs and supports us in our mission to furnish iconic hospitality experiences,” Linville concluded. “Our relationship with HPE Aruba Networking ensures that we can continue delivering on our brand promise with the agility to rapidly adapt to future technological and market developments.”
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