You've Got Laundry

A Massachusetts company has come up with a novel way to inform college students when their laundry is ready and what washing machines are open. Called LaundryView, the networked machines and software will allow the user to view this information from anywhere on campus.

The system was created by Mac-Gray Corporation, which claims to be the largest supplier of card and coin-based laundry facilities in America. A Web page will show the status of each machine as well as a two-week history of usage. The company says this will help students plan around the best times to do laundry.

Also, the system can send status alerts via e-mail, cell phone and wireless PDA when a machine is available or laundry is finished. This same system will also alert Mac-Gray to malfunctioning machines.

The company says that LaundryView was created in response to requests for greater control over laundry activities. The application could also help to alleviate the problem of busy laundry rooms.

More than 50 colleges and universities in 20 states have already installed the system, including the University of Louisville, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Northeastern University.

"Maintaining a wireless campus is essential to our community, whether it's in the classrooms or in the dorms," said Michael Vigna, Director of Dining Services and Vending Operations at Northeastern.

"Linking our laundry rooms into our wireless environment is a natural progression for the University. LaundryView is a convenient feature that is very popular with our students and one that Northeastern is proud to offer."