Holocom aims to provide an economic means of bringing broadband down to the desktop level by strategically locating network devices such as wireless access points, switches and hubs close to work groups and replacing copper cable with much higher- capacity fiber. Once a building is properly wired, Sinks says, there is no reason the network cannot be used to monitor other functions such as security, heating and lighting. On the contrary, says Sean Horton, the resort's manager of information technology. Network installation began in late 1998 and within four months a fiber backbone was threaded throughout the property linking the administration buildings, restaurants and conference rooms. The data network was recently extended to the 462 guest rooms and will soon reach a new spa, now under construction.
Guests now have dial-up Internet access, can order games and movies, and check out from their rooms.
Next, the resort is looking to add facilities for video conferencing and considering the installation of one or two cameras around the grounds that would beam live pictures to the resort's Web site.