MSI, a Microsoft Certified Partner, worked with Microsoft�s Technology Center (MTC) to benchmark the daily operations demand of a hotel chain in a hosted environment. To maximize testing, MSI�s development and QA teams designed an application to simulate users in various operational roles ranging from front desk clerk to hotel manager to back office operations and to mirror peak times such as check in, check out and end of day. Over the course of three days in Microsoft�s Technology Center, more than a dozen tests were run, with the number of users varying from 250 to 1300 running against 50 to 350 properties. 

This testing collaboration allowed MSI to leverage the knowledge of the Microsoft Technology Center team to optimize EnterprisePM configurations for maximum performance in the hotel environment. Further, the robust automated testing tools built by MSI for this particular engagement with the MTC, will continue to ensure the high quality and performance of MSI products in the future. 

�Working one-on-one with Microsoft gave us a tremendous opportunity to test multiple scenarios under a variety of conditions and configurations, with each side providing input as to how EnterprisePM and SQL Server would react and interact. Through this process we collected a huge amount of data relating to server performance and response times, which allowed us to collaboratively fine tune the configurations for optimum performance and cost savings in the real world,� said David Kantrud, Vice President of Software Engineering, MSI. 

�For example, we studied the impact of a new processor and found that it allowed us to effectively double the number of users EnterprisePM could support, without increasing memory or reducing hard drive performance.  Knowledge like this can save our customers hard costs by reducing the hardware required to best serve the specific needs of each individual property, hotel chain or management company,� concluded Kantrud.

�By leveraging the people, process and technology of the MTC, we can help partners like MSI, to create great products on top of the Microsoft Platform. Working together enabled us to enhance the product relationships between Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and MSI�s EnterprisePM,� said Matt Kestian, Director, Microsoft Technology Center. 

MSI�s benchmark testing results will be published in an MSI case study scheduled for production in May 2008. The case study will be available at www.msisolutions.com. MSI�s EnterprisePM is available now.

About MSI
Servicing the hospitality industry since 1990, MSI (Multi-Systems, Inc.) is a leading supplier of hotel technology and property management systems. MSI empowers the lodging industry through great people, superior service, and innovative technology. With an installed customer base of close to 3,000 hotels and resorts throughout North America, MSI is one of the largest privately held providers of fully integrated property management, sales, marketing & catering, point of sale, web booking module, and centralized corporate services. MSI specializes in �total system solutions� for management companies and hotel chains, by providing central reservation and property system integration. Its customer support team has been recognized as the industry leader, and is key to the success of MSI�s products and services. For additional information about MSI�s technology solutions, please contact Kelli Rangel at 800-331-7890 or [email protected]. For more information on MSI, visit www.msisolutions.com.