International Properties and Shaw Internet cable agreement
International Properties Group Ltd IPX
Shares issued 33,494,562 Nov 1 close $1.03
Tue 2 Nov 99 News Release
Mr. Phillip Carroll reports
International Properties Group and Shaw Cablesystems GP have entered into a
long-term alliance to hardwire IPG's Western Canadian multifamily units to
the Internet and provide digital television access via a high-speed cable
connection.
Each building will be connected via Shaw's multimedia Internet access --
Shaw @Home service. It will provide full-motion video and digital audio
along with a variety of other services, including the ability in the
long-term for guests to make rental payments on-line. IPG has plans to
install a unique 24-hour Internet-based security surveillance system using
Shaw's high-speed telecommunications network.
"Our alliance with Shaw is an unprecedented move in the property management
business. It is potentially one of the most innovative technology
applications in this industry," said David Steele, president of IPG. "We
are committed to changing the face of property management. By embracing the
digital world and offering high-speed Internet access in every suite and
security in all our buildings, we will be well equipped to meet the demands
of our guests for the next millennium."
Launched in 1997, Shaw@Home is quickly revolutionizing Internet access with
unparalleled speed -- 100 times faster than conventional telephone access
-- and enhanced multimedia content. Its "always on" service provides
instant and unlimited access whenever the customer needs it.
In co-operation with Shaw FiberLink, IPG intends to install a 24-hour fibre
IP-based video surveillance system using Shaw's technology. The system will
include the installation of security cameras at each property and provide
security staff with instant on-line views of specific areas of the
buildings from a central command post.
"Besides enhancing the security of each of our buildings, this Internet
surveillance will reduce our operation costs, and provide our guests and
owners with the assurance of continual real-time monitoring," Mr. Steele
said.
IPG's resident managers have developed a concierge service that will handle
on-line rental applications for its guests, offer Shaw's digital cable and
Internet packages and, in the future, a variety of other goods and services
from television sets and computers to microwaves and insurance.
"We are changing the way we operate our properties, providing more services
and amenities," Mr. Steele said. "In short, we are treating the people who
live in these buildings as true guests. For example, if there are any
problems in the individual suites, the guests will be able to have the
problem rectified by going on-line to our unique service help site.
In addition, IPG unveiled the introduction of its "bestplacetolive"
initiative, which will create a new style of property management that
provides the best apartment-style living product in North America.
Bestplacetolive.com was also unveiled, which provides potential guests with
virtual on-line tours of the apartment suites including 360 degree views of
lobbies, kitchens, living rooms and master bedrooms. "With on-line
application forms and pricing, our guests will be able to easily find out
everything about our buildings," Mr. Steele said.
The alliance with Shaw will complete the bestplacetolive package with added
value services such as special deals with Shaw for Shaw@Home service and
digital cable service, concierge service and on-line access to products and
services in the building that are relevant to guests.
All IPG's residential properties will be branded as bestplacetolive.com
buildings, which will create an awareness and a sense that
bestplacetolive.com is the place to go for the best quality and value in
residential listings in a particular city.
"We are extremely pleased to be working with a progressive Canadian
property management company such as IPG, which is dedicated to offering
leading-edge technology in their properties," said Terry Medd,
vice-president, operations, Shaw Cablesystems. "The fit between our two
companies is best reflected in our mutual commitment to first-rate customer
service."
IPG intends to implement similar plans to install Shaw@Home services,
Internet surveillance and concierge upgrades in all its 53 properties
totaling more than 7,000 suites across North America within the next year.
(c) Copyright 1999 Canjex Publishing Ltd. canada-stockwatch.com |
