According to SuiteStar CEO Stephen M. Marcus, hoteliers such as Sunburst Hospitality Corporation, the owner of the hotel, are embracing the advertising-supported SuiteStar model because it offers high-speed internet access free to the hotel and its guests, rather than have the guest incur additional daily or hourly charges. The NIC appliances are installed at no cost to the hotel and operate on a high-speed, wireless broadband network. Guests may also use their notebook computer for free internet access. SuiteStar is supported with revenues from sponsorship and advertising, and follow-up marketing services based on the profile of its highly valued business and leisure traveler audience.  The SuiteStar advertising platform reaches guests at hotels, resorts, extended stay, and time-share properties.

The new NIC appliances were announced this summer by The New Internet Computer Company, owned by Larry Ellison, CEO/Chairman of Oracle Corp.  (Nasdaq: ORCL).

�The NIC-SuiteStar partnership will fundamentally change the state of technology in hotels today,� says Gina Smith, CEO of The New Internet Computer Company. 
�Together, the NIC Company and SuiteStar are offering the most functional internet device at the least possible price - with no cost to hotel guests whatsoever.� 
�This is just the beginning,� adds Larry Ellison, chairman of NIC�s board and the CEO/Chairman of Oracle Corp. �The NIC SuiteStar combination is the best, most affordable way for hotels to bring the power of the internet to their customers.�

New Marketing Medium Targets Valued Traveler Segment

SuiteStar�s high-speed, broadband platform enables advertisers to place very targeted online advertising using the full range of rich media.  SuiteStar�s viewers change almost every day, all year long.  Business and leisure travelers are among the most sought after audiences for advertisers.  While by definition they are scattered about during the day, in the evening they are in their hotel rooms.  Research has shown that if free high-speed internet access is available in their room, more than 50 percent of these target consumers will use the system every night. 

�The 15,000 rooms are just the start,� notes Stephen Marcus, SuiteStar Chairman and CEO.  �We anticipate having over 8 million high profile business and pleasure travelers using our system by the end of 2001.�

Through the availability of its internet appliance, SuiteStar is able to supply content providers, sponsors and advertisers access to its highly desirable audience. �The SuiteStar design and back-end data base marketing allow us to deliver specific messages to specific people, groups, and locations,� says Marcus.  �The SuiteStar interface features a frame around the web browser. The frame always remains in place and offers highly valuable advertising space.�

Because it is wireless, the SuiteStar approach completely bypasses the hotel�s telephone PBX, so there are no costly and disruptive installation activities commonly associated with running additional wires or cables throughout the property.  Because it is a local area network, the access speeds are equal to many wired local area networks deployed in office environments.

More NICs are scheduled for installation in additional properties affiliated with Sunburst Hospitality Corporation and other hotels nationally.

According to Sunburst Vice President of Finance and Systems, Charles Warczak, Jr., the next installations will be in properties in Rockville, MD; Plano, TX; Annapolis, MD; Arlington and Tysons Corner, VA; and Denver, CO. 

SuiteStar is also under contract with several properties in Salt Lake City, Utah, in preparation for the winter Olympics, and other ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains.  Multi-language installations begin in Hawaii in October, and SuiteStar has several thousand rooms under contract in Manhattan, NY.

SuiteStar Corporation is unique in that it uses a sponsorship and advertising revenue model to enable it to offer travelers and hotels free high-speed internet access in every room.  The service is totally turnkey and is installed free of any investment from the hotel and any charges to the guest.  SuiteStar provides all internet appliances, hardware and communication components, installation, on-site training, toll-free help desk and equipment service and maintenance.  The hotel obtains a highly desirable guest amenity, and because the service is wireless, at little or no disruption to its facility or phone system.  Through the SuiteStar solution, the hotel gains competitive advantage and increases the loyalty of their guest community. 

The NIC Company was founded in January 2000.  Its NIC Internet appliance is designed to bring fast, affordable and functional internet access to consumers, schools and businesses without the cost or complexity of a PC.  The NIC offers plug-and-play email and internet access.  For more information on the NIC, visit the NIC Company�s website at www.thinknic.com.

Sunburst Hospitality Corporation is one of the country�s leading hotel owner and management companies operating 74 hotels in 25 states with a total of 10,033 rooms. Sunburst�s brands include Comfort and Quality Inns and Suites, Clarion Hotels and Inns, Sleep Inns and the newly launched extended-stay hotels, MainStay Suites.

As technology advances, enhancements such as video-conferencing are slated to be added to the in-room solution. In addition, SuiteStar offers a complete solution to the hotelier including access to the internet in the common areas of the hotel.