Installation of the STSN system will begin this October at the following brands:  Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites; Renaissance Hotels and Resorts; and Courtyard by Marriott.  Marriott will offer STSN in all guest rooms, meeting rooms and business centers at a minimum of 100 hotels by year-end 1999 and more than 500 properties by the end of 2000.  Installation will proceed rapidly, because the STSN system utilizes existing phone lines and requires no new wiring or cables.
 

The STSN high-speed Internet access system will be installed in 100 Marriott hotels by year-end 1999 and in 500 properties by the end of 2000. The STSN system allows the user to access the Internet and use the telephone at the same time. (PRNewsFoto)

�Marriott International is always looking for ways to enhance customer service through innovative technologies,� said Carl Wilson, executive vice president and chief information officer of Marriott International, Inc. �After exhaustive testing, Marriott selected STSN for its combination of user- friendly design, speed and security.� �We have designed a product that provides fast and secure Internet access and works seamlessly with the guest�s laptop and software,� said Will West, president and CEO, STSN.

�Marriott will be the first to offer the STSN system and is working closely with us on several future enhancements.� STSN�s system works with any Internet compatible laptop or computer and does not force the guest to acquire or use special PC accessories. The guest can simply and securely access the Internet in the same manner they do at the office or home. For 24-hour Internet access, Marriott will charge a nominal $9.95 per day. As an added benefit, the system features a complimentary customized web page that offers information on hotel amenities, business services, restaurants, special online conference services, local attractions, transportation and shopping. STSN will also provide Marriott guests with a toll-free help line to answer questions and provide assistance 24-hours a day.

In addition, guests will have secure access to their private corporate networks, email systems, scheduling programs, sales force automation and client server applications. STSN�s high-speed connectivity eliminates lengthy downloads and turns the Internet into a �real-time� resource for work and entertainment.  Marriott conducted extensive customer research at more than 40 hotels to determine the best high-speed in-room Internet solution possible. In total, the company installed and tested nine different high-speed Internet access systems over a 24-month period. STSN�s product, which attaches to the existing guestroom telephone line, was the clear choice among both the savvy laptop carrying business traveler and the occasional user. In addition, Marriott found that more than half of its guests who travel with laptops connect to an Internet service provider.  Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, STSN is a leading technology and information service provider to the hospitality industry. The company is working on several future technological enhancements including in-room video conferencing.