Carlson Expands on MICROS
Technology Solutions with Centrally-Hosted OPERA
JUNE 21, 2007. MICROS Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCRS) , a leading provider of information technology solutions for the hospitality and retail industries, is pleased to announce that Carlson Hotels Worldwide(R), has expanded its current partnership with MICROS by selecting Centrally-Hosted OPERA for its Country Inns & Suites By Carlson brand in more than 400 locations.
On May 1, 2007 all new Country Inns & Suites began moving into MICROS' Central Hosting Data Center in Ashburn, Virginia, with existing sites to begin conversion on July 1, 2007.
Carlson Hotels and MICROS worked together for more than a year to modify the Centrally-Hosted OPERA solution to address Carlson's specific needs. By utilizing the Data Center, Carlson no longer needs to house the OPERA application and server at each hotel property. Eliminating OPERA servers from the hotels allows Carlson to concentrate on managing its hotels with less emphasis on managing technology. "With Centrally-Hosted OPERA, IT professionals can manage the technology, allowing hoteliers to manage the hotels," stated Steve Mogck, Executive Vice President for Select Service Hotels, Carlson Hotels Worldwide.
"Centrally Hosted OPERA is ideal for Carlson as it simplifies our technology requirements for hardware, software and communication. Additionally, MICROS and Carlson completely streamlined the contract and ordering process allowing sites to quickly and effortlessly embrace this new and exciting technology," stated David Sjolander, Vice President of Hotel Systems for Carlson Hotels Worldwide. "Along with added peace of mind, we especially value features like the central server, data network, information security, PCI compliance and professional maintenance. OPERA is available real-time with a backup data center in the event of a disaster, guaranteeing system availability which is vital to our operations. The reliable, redundant data network solution, secure data management, and preventive maintenance support, all contributed to our decision in selecting MICROS as our technology partner."
"After collaborating with Carlson Hotels for over a year to perfect this innovative solution, we are excited to see the deployment begin," stated Raoul Ricard, Vice President, Strategic Global Accounts for MICROS Systems. "The streamlined, secure, and advanced design of Centrally-Hosted OPERA offers a simplified approach to hotel technology. We look forward to continuing our long standing partnership with Carlson in the future."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
