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PHOENIX � SEPTEMBER 13, 2005� Multi-Systems Inc. (MSI), the hospitality industry�s leading provider of fully integrated property-management and marketing systems, recently transitioned 43 corporate-owned AmeriSuites hotels from a DOS-based PMS platform to the company�s Windows-based WinPM platform in just 35 days. �The cutover and new system implementation for our corporate properties was as close to flawless as one can get, although we weren�t surprised,� said Steve Jacobs, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of USFS Inc., a Hyatt company, and CIO of the Hyatt Select Hotel Group, which includes AmeriSuites. �We�ve been doing business with MSI for many years, and we have come to expect nothing less than excellence in software, service, support and system upgrades.� Jacobs said that USFS� Hawthorn Suites brand has been using WinPM as their exclusive PMS for some time, and when AmeriSuites joined the Hyatt family in January 2005, they knew an upgrade to WinPM was inevitable for the Hyatt-owned properties. �AmeriSuites needed the additional functionality, uniformity of system and reliability that the WinPM environment provides,� Jacobs said. �A real heroic effort was made on the part of MSI�s trainers, installers and software engineers. Forty three properties in less than 35 days� a testament to the approach and professionalism of their entire staff.� Properties Praise WinPM The AmeriSuites Silicon Valley in Fremont, Calif., was one of the first hotels to make the switch from MSI�s DOS-based system to WinPM. Lourdes Lacy, property director of sales, said the migration was seamless. �The switch to WinPM was a good move for everyone,� Lacy said. �The entire reservations process is faster and easier for the front desk to process which translates to shorter check-in and -out times for guests. We couldn�t be happier.� Phil Snyder, general manager of the AmeriSuites in Old Town Scottsdale, Ariz., agreed. �Now through WinPM, we are able to multi-task--providing heightened efficiency and better time management for the front-desk staff,� Snyder said. �In addition, the Windows platform is cleaner and looks more professional. As a result, the staff is happier because they have better tools to help them do their jobs and the guests are happier because the check-in process is smooth and proficient.� �One Button� Data Migration The swift transition process from the AmeriSuites DOS system to WinPM, which averaged less than 24 hours for each property, was made possible by MSI�s new �one-button� data migration tool. Once a process that required time from both MSI trainers and hotel staff to enter information, and validate the results, the switchover can now be done with virtually no such interruption. �Previously, the trainers had to spend too much time to input the information and balance systems during cutover,� said Mark Voirol, MSI�s manager, account management team. �Now that we are using this tool, trainers can focus on WinPM implementation instead of transferring data from DOS PM. This tool gives us the capability of finalizing the DOS system, migrating of the data, and having the WinPM up and running in less than an hour�s time.� Painless Process �Thanks to MSI�s, all of our data transferred with no problem, including accounting, rate and room-type information,� Lacy said. �There was little downtime and the cut-over was painless.� Snyder agreed. �Our largest concern regarding this process was the transfer of data from DOS to WinPM,� he said. �We didn�t know what we would do if any guest information was lost during cutover. Our worries were quickly put to rest, however, as no data was lost and the process was quick and easy.� Snyder said what impressed him the most was the professionalism of the MSI team. �The MSI team was cool and calm from the get-go,�
Snyder said, �answering our questions and concerns along the way with positive
attitudes and smiles on their faces the entire time. They put our minds
at ease, always making time for us even though they were very busy with
other AmeriSuites conversions. It was a real pleasure and a positive experience.�
Voirol said he is thrilled that AmeriSuites and
its properties are so pleased, saying: �Exceeding expectations makes doing
our jobs worth while � and helps to solidify the valuable partnerships
we�ve made with companies like Hyatt, USFS and AmeriSuites.�
About AmeriSuites
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