SUNNYVALE, Calif. - June 14, 2000 -- Zoho Corporation, the premier online marketplace for the hospitality industry, today introduced its Zoho Handheld Solution, a handheld ordering system, to streamline and automate the supplies ordering process throughout the hospitality industry.

Zoho�s new handheld device will enable hospitality professionals to more efficiently collect, manage and synchronize supply ordering, receipt and inventory. The Zoho Handheld Solution will be debuted at the HITEC show June 20-22 in Dallas, TX.

Developed on Symbol Technologies SPT 1500 palm sized computer using AvantGo Enterprise� software, the Zoho Handheld Solution utilizes the Palm Computing® platform, in conjunction with the Zoho marketplace, greatly reducing the threat of errors and inaccuracies inherent in the traditional order process. Utilizing Symbol�s SPT 1500 palm sized computer equipped with a barcode scanning engine, the device allows users to simply scan a product�s barcode to capture units of measure, product description and the supplier�s name.  The user simply enters the order quantity and touches the on-screen order button to reorder needed supplies. Once all orders are scanned, the user places the handheld back in its desktop hotsync unit, where the order is instantly sent to the Zoho online marketplace and is seamlessly integrated into the property�s order approval process. Because the Zoho solution is built on an open platform, it is easily expandable and scalable to incorporate future Zoho functionality, including inventory tracking, asset management and purchase order receiving.

�The Zoho Handheld Solution is another example of why we choose Zoho to help us streamline our back-of-house operations,� said Rick Betz, senior vice president of strategic sourcing, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. �Zoho�s focus on cost containment, inventory management and simplification of the ordering process matches our vision of utilizing cutting-edge technology to deliver more efficient operations of our Starwood-managed properties.�

�We initially joined the Zoho marketplace because we felt it offered a customized e-procurement solution for smaller properties,� said David Randolph, executive housekeeper, Garden Court Hotel. �For our operation, this new handheld is perfect. Now our purchasing manager can check and order supplies at the touch of a button, rather than by managing a lengthy papertrail or recalling from memory.�

Introduction of Zoho�s new software application based on AvantGo Enterprise software further supports its mission to reduce the fragmentation of the hospitality supply chain and generate direct time and cost savings for Marketplace members. The Zoho Handheld Solution promises to garner market acceptance among current and future users through its portability and intuitive �scan and touch� order entry method.

�Our handheld solution is the next step in making the Zoho Hospitality Marketplace the most comprehensive environment servicing the hospitality supply chain,� said Chris Hjelm, COO of Zoho Corporation. �It enables hospitality professionals, such as purchasing managers, to gather, evaluate and synchronize information with unparalleled ease and functionality, saving labor time. Its intuitive user-interface allows quick training time and increased usage across back-of-house employees.�

Availability
The Zoho Handheld Solution will be available later this year through Bar Code Supply to participating members of the Zoho Hospitality Marketplace. Zoho has contracted Portland, Oregon-based Symbol VAR, Bar Code Supply Company, to be its handheld equipment solutions provider. Working closely with Zoho and Symbol, Bar Code Supply has developed an innovative hardware, packaging, and hardware service solution for Zoho. 

This solution provides a �hassle free� seamless equipment/service source for Zoho Customers, and includes:

• A complete Symbol 1500 system; unit, case, charging/download station
• The Zoho software pre-loaded on the unit
• Detailed Zoho instructions on how to order items using the handheld device
• Zoho 24/7 support
• Hardware support from Bar Code Supply

About Symbol Technologies
Symbol Technologies, Inc., winner of this year�s National Medal of Technology, is a global leader in wireless and Internet-based mobile data transaction systems and services. Symbol provides its customers unique value with innovative solutions utilizing application-specific information appliances, data and voice wireless networks, and barcode and data capture scanning. Symbol and its global network of business partners provide LAN and WAN mobility solutions from the enterprise to e-commerce for industries including retail, transportation and distribution logistics, manufacturing, parcel and postal delivery, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Symbol�s broad range of information appliances is in use by business and consumers from the factory, to the office, to the home.