Onity Revolutionizes Hotel Security Design and Technology with Introduction of ADVANCE by OnityTM

New locking solution adds unique ergonomic features and design options that allow hotels to blend th

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. October 14, 2008

ATLANTA, GA, JUNE 1, 2006. Onity, the world's leading provider of electronic locking solutions, is set to unveil their latest innovation in security design and technology. ADVANCE by OnityTM, which will make its official debut at HITEC 2006 in Minneapolis, is an entirely new electronic locking solution that offers a wide range of flexibility in both aesthetic design and operational features. The newly developed electronic lock features a unique, modular, two-piece design that minimizes hardware on the guestroom door. A wide selection of attractive finishes, interchangeable handle styles, and cover plates allow hotels to seamlessly blend the locks into the overall design of the property. The ADVANCE solution also offers dual upgradeable technology, so that, as security technology continues to advance, upgrades and retrofits are both simple and affordable.

Developed over years of thorough R&D that included detailed scientific data, as well as feedback from a broad spectrum of hoteliers, guests and design professionals, ADVANCE by OnityTM builds upon the proven reliability and convenience of the current generation of electronic locks. However, it is designed to satisfy the needs of today's hotels and their guests in innovative new ways.

Adam Yapkowitz, Onity's vice president of business development, said, "The design of ADVANCE makes a radical leap from the look of most current hotel door locks, Unlike other new locks on the market, it is much more than just an updated design. It is an entirely new concept in electronic locking that meets both the aesthetic and technological needs of the global hotel market. ADVANCE by OnityTM will be the new standard by which all other locks are measured."

UNPRECEDENTED RESEARCH PROJECT

The unique product development process that resulted in ADVANCE was based on years of cooperative research worldwide. This extensive research project involved gathering feedback from all segments of the hospitality industry, including not only hotel and security executives, but also design professionals, such as interior designers and architects, and hotel guests. Onity's research showed that the hotel corridor is the first impression guests have of the guestroom, and that is where lock manufacturers can help by improving the style and functionality of their lock designs.

"What we learned from the study we conducted is that decision-makers in the hotel industry are ready for the electronic lock industry to evolve. That meant developing a lock that improves aesthetics and ease of use, without compromising security. We took that a step further and produced a lock that is not only beautiful and functional, but technologically advanced and with unsurpassed security," said Yapkowitz.

Human Factors and Ergonomics

During the development of ADVANCE, the Onity team began with a thorough assessment of the human factors in electronic locking - more commonly described as ergonomics. Ergonomics is not only a "look", on the contrary, it is a physical and psychological interaction between user and product; intuitiveness of use; and overall comfort of the person using the product. With that in mind, Onity has patented a new "Groove and Arrow" design for the keycard and electronic lock that drastically decreases the incidence of human error during the insertion process.

"What we found was that the grooved readers and keycards scored 276 percent higher for 'inserting the keycard in the correct position the first time' than those without grooves and arrows," Yapkowitz said.

GETTING A LOCK ON QUALITY STANDARDS

Continuing our commitment to maintain the highest standards for quality and security, ADVANCE by OnityTM is compliant with the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA)/American National Standard Institute (ANSI) A156.25 grade 1 standard for electrified locking devices. ANSI/BHMA standards are written descriptions and criteria that precisely define the operation, performance characteristics, physical properties, test values, usage parameters, and safety criteria of specific types of builders' hardware products. To become certified as compliant with these standards, the locks endured a variety of tests, including a break-in test, testing for operational function, slam cycle, security strength, high-voltage shock, temperature extremes, corrosion, moisture, dust, and salt spray, as well as a full battery of electrical function tests.

The ADVANCE locking solution will be unveiled at HITEC 2006, being held June 19-22 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Members of the press are invited to attend a press conference at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20th in the HITEC press room. Demonstrations will also be held at Booth # 634 throughout the show. For more information on ADVANCE by OnityTM, please visit www.onity.com or contact Adam Yapkowitz at (770) 248-7527.

ABOUT ONITY

Onity (formerly TESA Entry Systems, Inc.), the leading global provider of electronic locking systems, offers innovative technological solutions and services for the Hospitality, Corporate, Education, Government and Marine markets. The company's ever-expanding family of facility management solutions includes electronic locks, in-room safes, and Senercomm(R) energy-management systems. Onity has R&D and manufacturing operations in Spain, Mexico and the U.S., as well as an extensive sales and service network that spans more than 115 countries around the globe. Onity is a UTC Fire & Security Company, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). As part of the UTC family, Onity operates alongside such companies such as Otis (elevators), Carrier (air conditioning), Sikorsky (helicopters), and Pratt & Whitney (jet engines). For more information, please visit www.utc.com. For information about Onity's electronic hospitality solutions please visit www.onity.com.