In January 2010, ISM Communications and PhilWeb Corporation equally invested in purchasing a 65% stake in Acentic GmbH for € 19.5 million or approximately PhP 1.3 billion through a Hong Kong based company, Host Union International Limited.
Acentic is an international provider of high-speed Internet access solutions and digital TV services to hotels. Acentic’s digital content, technology, support and services deliver information and communication, as well as entertainment and revenue generation tools, via the hotel television, providing a unique communications system that meets the evolving lifestyles of guests. Acentic’s broadband and digital TV services are in many of the world’s leading hotel chains, including Accor, Dorint, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotels Group, Maritim, Marriott, Mövenpick and Starwood in more than 30 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Acentic launched Horizon—its new high-speed Internet access (HSIA) solution for the hotel industry. The Acentic Horizon broadband solution, combined with Acentic’s Panorama® and Vision iTV systems, provides a bridge to the most flexible converged content strategy available for hoteliers. Acentic Horizon is a proven all-in- one solution that goes beyond a simple Internet connection and fully integrates all devices and content, increasing revenue potential.
Acentic Horizon is already installed in hotel groups throughout Europe, including Adina Hotels, InterContinental Hotels Group, Starwood, Marriott, Best Western and Maritim Group. In 2010, the Company was able to install an additional 1,057 HSIA rooms, ending the year with a total of 22,559 HSIA rooms.
Acentic is currently focused on the integration of its high-speed Internet and iTV services platform with Apple iOS and Android Operating Systems. This innovation will enable hoteliers to control hotel operational functions and allow their guests to check hotel offerings and features via their mobile devices. This new App integration will also give hoteliers the option of a branded tool for increased loyalty and revenue generation.
On September 15, 2011, Acentic opened Acentic Asia, a subsidiary of Acentic Ltd. Located in the iconic skyscraper Hopewell Centre in Hong Kong Island, Acentic Asia will bring Acentic’s in-room entertainment hotel TV system and Internet connectivity technology to the Asian hospitality market, along with consulting and support. The office will serve international hotel brands and individual local properties with personalized attention to Asian market needs such as localization (translations) and support for local digital technology like Hong Kong’s DMB-T over coax and IP.
Last November 17, 2011, Acentic partnered with Caribbean Interactive TV (CITV) to provide exclusive distributorship of Acentic solutions to hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America, with non-exclusive representation of Acentic in Mexico.
The business model is in the transitional change and the Company is at the brink of launching the latest technology in in-room gaming. Management is preparing for aggressive expansion in the coming year to the hospitality industry in the US and Asia. They are also looking to tap other related industries such as multi-dwelling units and medical care facilities.
