Starwood Hotels, Symbol Technologies And IBM Check In With Curb Side Mobile Computing Application That Allows Guests To Skip The Front Desk

Symbol Handheld Computers, Wireless LAN Technology, The Key To Enhanced Customer Service

Imagine bypassing long lines at a hotel check-in counter and heading straight to the elevators and your hotel room. Now Symbol Technologies, Inc., Galaxy Hotel Systems, by Starwood Hotels Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., IBM and Computerized Security Systems (CSS)-Saflok® have developed a solution for weary travelers and time-starved road warriors that allows them to check in at the curb, avoiding the traditional reception queues.

The system is currently being used at the Sheraton Hotel in Parsippany, NJ. Starwood also plans to implement the solution in many of its Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Westin, St. Regis, Luxury Collection and W Hotels.

Equipped with a Symbol and a mini-printer, hotel agents can check in guests, process credit cards, print receipts and program room keys at the curb, in the lobby or any other location in the hotel. The Starwood, "StarWalker," system was developed by all four companies, and features IBM middleware, hardware, software and and to integrate a hotel's property management system with the mobile device.

"This specialized technology creates a more pleasurable travel experience. With shorter lines and less hassles, our guests have more valuable time to relax, get work done or have fun," said Danny Hudson, Vice President, Property Technology Strategy, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "We believe that StarWalker will help refine even further the quality of service that Starwood is internationally known for."

The mobile guest check-in solution employs the Symbol Palm Powered terminal, a web-enabled handheld computer, integrated with Symbol's . The pocket-sized features a bar code scanner and pen access that allows hotel agents to perform a complete check-in, as well as make changes to a reservation, retrieve messages and other tasks that are typically performed at a fixed computer at the front desk. A mini Symbol PEP (Portable Encoding Printer) produces receipts and programs room keys.

"We're seeing a demand for mobile computing and wireless solutions similar to mobile check-in among a variety of vertical markets, such as air travel, , and , where saving time and improving customer satisfaction is critical," said , President and CEO, Symbol Technologies. " is one of our new and promising markets. With our core strengths built around wireless mobile computing and our strong partner relationships, Symbol provides the ideal technology solution to the vertical marketplace."

IBM developed the application software that integrates the whole system and handles the integration, customization, installation and technical support services for the solution. IBM xSeries e-Server, running WebSphere Application Server, and MQSeries middleware are also part of the application.

"Weaving together all the behind-the-scenes components in order to move the front desk function to wherever the guests may be -- whether they're hopping out of a cab, in a meeting or at a gaming table in a casino -- involves a lot of hard work and technical expertise," said Mike Hulley, Vice President, IBM Global Travel & Transportation Industry. "This application allowed IBM to flex its 'integration muscles', and showcases how leading technology companies can work together to make the travel experience more convenient."

Saflok's electronic locking system was also used in the application to program the room keys. "Saflok will continue to be seen as the leader in building security and management systems for the hospitality industry. Through continued innovation and partnering, we look forward to integrating our technologies to provide solutions that enable our customers to set new standards in guest convenience and front desk efficiency," said Glenn Peacock, Director of Marketing, CSS-Saflok.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 725 properties in 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit

About IBM

IBM's Travel and Transportation Industry group and its Business Partners provide products, services and integrated solutions to all areas of the travel-related services industry, including hotels, gaming, cruise lines, travel agents and tour operators. More information can be found at .

About Galaxy Hotel Systems

Starwood acquired the Hotel Systems Division of Geac Computers, Inc., from Geac Computer Corporation Limited, in April 2001, and recently renamed it Galaxy Hotel Systems, LLC. The acquisition was spearheaded by Starwood Technology and Revenue Systems (STARS) - a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Galaxy Hotel Systems has been a leading provider of proven property management solutions to the hotel industry for the last 32 years.