Peace, Relaxation and Staying Connected

Guests come to stay at the Ojai Retreat — the hilltop inn with its spectacular views, lush gardens and peaceful ambience — to get away from it all.

But not entirely. It turns out that many guests want wireless access in their rooms so they can connect to the Internet with their laptop computers.

Easier said than done. Trying to install a working wireless access system in the inn’s rooms and cottages had proven to be an elusive, often frustrating challenge. Admittedly, the job presented several complicating factors: buildings at different elevations and abundant trees and bushes that interfered with the power signal.

"For the last couple of years, we had several so-called experts in to set up wireless access," recalls Ulrich Brugger, Ojai Retreat Director. "Each one said ‘It’s easy; no problem.’ But nothing they did worked."

Enablers to the Rescue

Ulrich turned to Dave Lawrence of Smart Technology Enablers for help. Dave quickly determined that the existing equipment could not adequately cover the Retreat’s 12 rooms and common areas spread across the five-acre compound. He began analyzing the challenges and researching available technology to do the job.

The first step was expanding the wired network so that wireless access points could be used at five locations around the property. Dave engaged Enablers’ preferred cabling contractor, George Puth of Com Connect, to install the cabling.

Dave then selected a better technology that focuses the wireless access points’ energy toward the notebook computer it is communicating with in real time, increasing not only signal strength, but allowing data to be transferred faster. A central wireless controller coordinates wireless activities throughout the property, changing wireless channels automatically when "rogue" access points pop up on the same or nearby wireless channels, which can cause wireless interference.

"Dave came in and researched everything," recalls Ulrich. "Before beginning work, he consulted with the various experts including our architect and electricians. It was teamwork. I was very impressed. In two to three weeks, our wireless access was installed; it works; and the guests are very happy. It was costly, but worth it." Ulrich notes that having wireless access in every room is a big selling point for prospective guests.

Taking Care of Business

Enablers were also able to help the Ojai Retreat with another longstanding challenge: keeping the computer system in the business office up and running.

The Retreat’s computer system is the nerve center of the operation, with every minute detail running through the computers. The system handles three main functions: the hospitality industry software that enables guests to make reservations online and correspond with the Retreat; accounting; and marketing. The reservation component is networked with the marketing function, and accounting will be networked into the system.

Previously, keeping the system in order and functioning properly had been an often difficult challenge. There is no technology specialist on staff, so when problems arose, appointments had to be made with outside technicians to come in.

"It often took days if not weeks until everything was back in order," Ulrich recalls. "We’d spend money to fix it and it wasn’t fixed. In the meantime, we couldn’t work properly. We lost some customers and we lost money."

The Retreat found a lasting solution with Enablers’ First Class Support service, which provides constant, automated monitoring of its computer system remotely — from Smart Technology Enablers’ offices. If the monitoring spots potential difficulties in the client’s system, Enablers can remote in from their offsite location to investigate the problem for a quick solution. The service also provides software updates, virus scans and spyware protection.

The service has improved the reliability of the Retreat’s systems and makes sure their data are properly backed up in the event of a failure. The Retreat opted for the First Class Support Premier package, providing unlimited remote support during regular business hours.

Clare Hollenbeck, the Retreat Office Manager, works closely with Dave and his colleagues at Smart Technology Enablers. She says she appreciates their approach. "I respect the way Dave discussed the key points about what he was going to be doing and how he was going to be doing it," she says. "When he talks you through something, he really wants you to understand. So when I’m listening, I’m learning. He’s very detailed and very thorough. That means a lot to me, because that’s the way I like to work."

Ulrich says he is very pleased with the results. "Since we’ve had this service," he says, "we’re much more efficient and have peace of mind. If a problem does occur, it’s fixed. I can say I’m 100 percent satisfied, and I would recommend Dave’s service to anyone who needs improvements in these areas."

The Ojai Retreat is like a bed and breakfast but more. The mission of this non-denominational, nonprofit center is to provide a haven of natural beauty and tranquility in which individuals of all backgrounds may find relaxation, inner peace, and spiritual and cultural enrichment.

Offering spectacular views, each of the center’s 12 recently refurbished rooms is TV-free and telephone-free.

The Retreat offers yoga classes, massage, educational programs and special events for the community. A large conference room in the main house also accommodates group retreats, business and professional seminars and other meetings. The center is also an increasingly popular site for weddings and receptions.

The Ojai Retreat’s appeal is reflected in its high occupancy rate: 75 percent-plus just since July ‘08, the highest in the Ojai Valley. The center is consistently rated #1 or #2 on the TripAdvisor.com website among 13 Ojai Valley inns, bed and breakfasts and retreats. To learn more about the Ojai Retreat or to make a reservation, go to www.ojairetreat.com, telephone (805) 646-2536. The Retreat is located at the end of Besant Road on the hilltop above