INSPIRE Entertainment Resort: Establishes a Global Resort Integrated Service Environment with Microsoft Surface

INSPIRE Entertainment Resort: Establishes a global resort integrated service environment with Microsoft Surface

INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, which opened last March, is a massive resort located on Yeongjong Island in Incheon, featuring a total of 1,275 guest rooms. Pioneering entry into the Asian market through Korea, INSPIRE aims to create the largest entertainment resort in Northeast Asia, deeply ingrained with the essence of Hallyu (Korean) culture.

With attractions like an indoor water park, entertainment park, a grand arena accommodating 15,000 people, and diverse global cuisine options, INSPIRE is setting the standard for large-scale entertainment resorts, offering everything under one roof.

Operating on a fully digitalized infrastructure, INSPIRE seamlessly integrates digital technology with leisure, featuring kinetic chandeliers that change based on content and a digital street, canopied by a surreal 150m-long LED display.

Demand for enhanced digital resort experience

Digital technology is closely connected with guest experiences. Upon entering INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, guests encounter Microsoft Surface Pro 9. During check-in, guests can access essential information and input personal details via the Surface Pro 9's touchscreen keyboard, replacing traditional paperwork.

"The Surface Pro 9’s high-resolution display aligns seamlessly with the ambiance of the hotel lobby's subtle lighting while providing clear screens for convenient check-ins. Moreover, offering input forms in multiple languages enables guests worldwide to register conveniently in their native language."

Donny Hwang, Hotel Operation Specialist, notes that the digital experience through Surface seamlessly integrates into customer service. Particularly, the 3:2 aspect ratio, resembling paper documents when held vertically, stands out as a unique advantage of Surface, easing the transition to new technology in a rapidly changing service environment.

The Surface offers a systematic advantage by eliminating the need for excess paper during registration, contributing to environmental conservation, and diminishing concerns related to data breaches and the disposal of sensitive information. All guest inputs are securely recorded and stored within INSPIRE Entertainment Resort's data management system, ensuring systematic preservation.

INSPIRE's allure extends beyond stylish rooms to encompass comprehensive entertainment and dining experiences. Using Surface Go 3, restaurant staff take orders and process payments, efficiently managing table statuses and order queues, enhancing service efficiency. Brand Manager Jaeeun Lee from the marketing team highlighted the seamless integration of the Surface Go 3 for payment processing. She said that the device not only enhances operational efficiency but also complements the resort's ambiance, contributing to a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing interior design.

"Surface Go 3's compact size, coupled with its docking station connecting seamlessly to credit card terminals, small printers, and internal wired networks, ensures a clutter-free environment, enabling flexible ordering and payment processes without the cumbersome presence of traditional, space-consuming POS systems."

INSPIRE Entertainment Resort continuously expands its facilities, intending to utilize Surface Go 3's excellent battery performance for various applications. Discovery Park, a family-themed entertainment park in the sprawling outdoors, plans to integrate operational systems even in vast outdoor settings, facilitating Bluetooth-based service payments.

Surface Go 3's optimal size and performance adaptability across environments make it a preferred choice. Its 10.5-inch display, coupled with robust performance and stability, stands out in the Windows-based device market, offering versatility in tablet and laptop modes and supporting touchscreen and pen input, ideal for hotel and resort environments.

Seamless integration with global management system, superior in security and device management

INSPIRE Entertainment Resort's choice of Surface primarily hinges on seamless integration with resort management systems. The hotel's operational system, managed digitally through a Property Management System (PMS), necessitates unified operation, extending beyond physical facilities to software environments. Surface aligns well with Windows and Microsoft's security and cloud solutions.

INSPIRE aims for a more systematic management environment beyond traditional PMS. As a symbol of a large-scale hotel resort's operational system, more aspects are automated and operated digitally, including devices as a component.

Currently, INSPIRE Entertainment Resort’s internal operational systems are globally powered by Microsoft Windows. Since all software, including PMS, is developed on the Windows platform, a device capable of running it stably was essential. Potter Kwon, Applications Systems Analyst, highlights Surface's optimization for both operating systems and hardware conditions.

"Surface aligns with our needs perfectly. It smoothly operates the latest Windows 11 OS and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft's MDM and security solutions. All PCs and services at INSPIRE Entertainment Resort are logged in through Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), ensuring real-time management. Surface Pro 9 and Surface Go 3 promptly implement all security policies."

Surface and Windows 11, based on zero trust, allow access only through account logins verified by thorough authentication. INSPIRE Entertainment Resort operates primarily on Entra ID and Windows 11 for basic security policies. By avoiding third-party solutions, management policies, security measures, service solutions, and device updates are streamlined, enhancing security.

"Real-time updates, such as exchange rates, fees, room updates, and concierge information, are distributed through Microsoft 365's SharePoint, providing employees with accurate, consistent information. This is simultaneously deployed to all devices across the resort."

Since the introduction of Surface, Potter Kwon mentions that there hasn't been a single incident of deployment, updates, or system failures. The ease of device management has led to a smoother service experience, as per evaluations. 

Enhancing experience in familiar Windows environment

Both guests and staff at INSPIRE Entertainment Resort are satisfied with the service experience through Surface. Particularly, the device's responsiveness stands out, with software loading instantly and touchscreen keyboards enabling precise, delay-free input.

The familiarity of the Windows interface is another advantage. Even employees unfamiliar with IT devices can confidently operate applications in the familiar Windows environment without separate system training.

The unique design and material of Surface devices provide a high level of satisfaction. The goal is to offer the best experience to guests, and Surface achieves this with its high-resolution touchscreen display and distinctive, sturdy aluminum finish, which adds a refreshing touch. This makes Surface an ideal fit for an entertainment resort where every detail of the experience matters. Analyst Potter Kwon mentioned plans to further expand the tactile experience offered by Surface devices.

"Surface is seamlessly integrated throughout the resort, demonstrating the potential to digitize more services. We are also preparing scenarios involving the Surface Pen. For VIP guests requiring handwritten signatures, we believe Surface can offer a superior alternative to paper."

Despite appearing straightforward, many aspects of daily operations in hotels and resorts are still contemplating better solutions at the intersection of digital and analog. Surface proposes better digital experiences seamlessly at this juncture. Ultimately, Surface is proving its ability to smoothly digitize and systematize vast amounts of data generated during customer interactions, ensuring safety, convenience, and systematic digitization.