A hotel’s business center isn’t just an amenity—it’s a vital service hub for guests. 

Whether travelers need to print boarding passes, prepare for meetings, or manage documents on the go, the reliability of business center hardware can make or break their experience. 

But how can hoteliers ensure their equipment meets the mark?

Tim Doxzon, VP of Sales at TTI Technologies, shares the ins and outs of business center hardware, from choosing the right equipment to knowing when to upgrade.

What Every Hotel Should Know About Business Center Hardware

Tim notes that hotels often approach TTI with two main questions: 

1. Can you provide the equipment?  
2. Can we use our existing equipment with your software and support?  

“The answer is yes to both,” he shares. “Not everyone offers that flexibility, but we can support either approach.”

When it comes to hardware options, hotels typically face a choice between PCs and Macs. While both are viable, each comes with unique considerations:

Mac Computers

Tim highlights key issues with new models: “The beautiful 24-inch iMacs are fast and reliable but lack essential features like a Kensington lock slot and adequate USB ports. This means additional expenses for accessories to ensure compatibility and security.”  

Cost is another factor.

“With Macs, you’re looking at a bigger investment to meet basic needs,” he says. 

PCs  

PCs are more cost-effective.  

“For PCs, all we require is 8GB of RAM and a solid-state drive,” Tim advises. “Anything less, like 4GB of RAM, won’t deliver the speed or reliability guests expect.”

Tim emphasized that if the PC does not have a solid-state drive (any size), they cannot support it. 

RELATED: Avoiding the Hotel Tech Support Nightmare

When to Upgrade (And When It’s Not Necessary)

One common misconception is that hardware needs to be refreshed every three years.

According to Tim, this isn’t always the case.  

“Generally, a PC should last about five years before requiring replacement,” he says. 

However, there are exceptions: 

• Computers running outdated operating systems like Windows 7 or 8 won’t meet modern security or performance standards.  
• Warranty expiration often signals the need for an upgrade. “We can quickly verify this with a service tag check,” Tim explains.  

Pro Tip: Always confirm hardware compatibility before investing in upgrades. 

“We recently had a hotel purchase a new PC with only 4GB of RAM, which technically works but runs so slowly it frustrates guests,” he says. 

Printers: The Unsung Heroes of Business Centers

While TTI is “printer agnostic,” Tim emphasizes the importance of laser over inkjet printers for hotel use.  

“Laser printers are more efficient and reliable,” he says. “When choosing a model, focus on toner capacity. A cartridge that only prints 2,500 pages might leave your front desk team scrambling to replace it more often than you’d like.”

TTI also offers peace of mind with four-year next-business-day warranties on PCs, ensuring minimal downtime. “Unlike some competitors who require you to ship hardware back for repairs, we ensure manufacturers handle replacements on-site,” remarks Tim. 

RELATED: Hotel Business Centers: Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Hotel Business Center Equipment

Hotel turnover can lead to outdated assumptions about equipment. 

“We often see new managers who believe their systems are only a couple of years old,” Tim shares. “In one case, the warranty had expired six years earlier, making the hardware nearly nine years old.”

The takeaway?

Regular audits of your business center hardware are essential.

Send service tags to your provider for an up-to-date assessment and avoid the risk of guest dissatisfaction due to underperforming equipment.

A Partner You Can Trust

When it comes to business center hardware, TTI Technologies eliminates the guesswork. 

Whether you’re investing in new equipment or optimizing existing assets, our team ensures seamless functionality and top-tier support.

Have questions? Connect with us below.