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MSI Engineers Develop Revolutionary DOS-to-WinPM Cutover Concept

‘One button’ data-migration tool reduces PM conversion time

PHOENIX — JUNE 22, 2005 — Multi-Systems Inc. (MSI) has once again proved why it’s the hospitality industry’s leading innovator in the research and development of integrated property-management, marketing and reservations systems and services.

Over the past few months, MSI systems engineers have been perfecting the art of migrating MSI’s legacy PM customers to its WinPM product. Once a process that required time from both the MSI trainers and the hotel staff to enter information, and validate the results, the switchover can now be done with virtually no such interruption.

The key to this groundbreaking technological development is a tool that evolved as MSI engineers sought a “one button approach” to data migration. In December 2004, MSI’s PM and WinPM database experts evaluated the data being migrated and the methods used for migration and determined that both of these areas could be improved both in terms of efficiency and depth of detail. Starting with a baseline of files that can be generated from DOS PM (some of which were already in use during DOS-to-WinPM cutovers), the developers worked to develop the “one-button” cutover tool.

“The trainers had to spend too much time to input the information and balance systems during cutover,” said Cedric David, Senior Systems Engineer for MSI. “Now that we are using this tool, trainers can focus on WinPM implementation instead of transferring data from DOS PM.”

“This tool gives us the capability of finalizing the DOS system, migrating the data, and having the WinPM up and running in less than an hour’s time. Up-to-the-minute reservations, postings, ledgers, rooms and room types, rates, customer profiles and travel-agent information are intact and accessible,” said Teresa Galler, Vice President of Operations for Phoenix-based MSI.

Advantages to hotels
The obvious advantage to MSI’s hotel customers—and their staff and guests—is one of time, Galler said.

“Because there is so little delay in the system-to-system cutover, it makes huge guest-service impact, as well as staff time and labor saving benefits,” Galler said. “When a guest checks in on the DOS system and checks out on the WinPM system, they never know the difference—their folio is complete and does not include items like balance forward that would otherwise require information from the old system to be stapled to the check-out folio.

“Another advantage is that since all information is migrated in minute detail, this new cutover tool frees the property from having to switch systems in the middle of the night after end-of-day is performed,” she added.

Galler said that in some cases the data migration has been so easy, “we’ve used the property’s PM database to stage the WinPM system, which allows our trainers to perform classroom training using the site’s own database. Thus, many of our sites are ahead of their training schedules. With this new tool, spending time inputting information prior to cutover is a thing of the past.”

MSI Training Manager Rick Reeves concurred, “the feedback from trainers has been very positive; several have reported that these are the fastest, smoothest and most efficient cutovers they’ve been involved in,” Reeves said. “This new tool makes it so easy for our properties to smoothly transition their procedures and employees to the new system. Properties receive all of the advantages of next-generation technology, but without the headaches they normally experience to get there.”

Galler said the new cutover tool is already being implemented by AmeriSuites properties, and she expects other MSI customers to follow suit.

Making the switch
The AmeriSuites Silicon Valley in Fremont, Calif., was one of the first hotels to use the “one button approach” to data conversion in making the switch from MSI’s DOS-based system to WinPM. According to Lourdes Lacy, property director of sales, the switch was swift and seamless.

“We switched to WinPM in April,” Lacy said. “All of our data transferred with no problem, including accounting, rate and room-type information. There was little downtime and the cut-over was painless.”

“The switch to WinPM was a good move for everyone,” she added. “The entire reservations process was faster and easier for the front desk to process which translates to shorter check-in and –out times for guests. We couldn’t be happier.”

Phil Snyder, general manager of the AmeriSuites in Old Town Scottsdale, Ariz., also made the switch in April, and agrees with Lacy on the simplicity and efficiency of the cutover.

“Our largest concern regarding this process was the transfer of data from DOS to WinPM,” Snyder said. “We didn’t know what we would do if any guest information was lost during cutover. Our worries were quickly put to rest, however, as no data was lost and the process was quick and easy.”

Snyder said what impressed him the most was the professionalism of the MSI team.

“They were cool and calm from the get-go,” Snyder said, “answering our questions and concerns along the way with positive attitudes and smiles on their faces the entire time. They put our minds at ease, always making time for us even though they were very busy with other AmeriSuites conversions. It was a real pleasure and a positive experience.”

Snyder said that now through WinPM, the AmeriSuites in Old Town is able to multi-task – providing heightened efficiency and better time management for the front-desk staff. In addition, he said the Windows platform is cleaner and looks more professional. As a result, staff is happier because they have better tools to help them do their jobs and guests are happier because the check-in process is smooth and proficient.

“We couldn’t be happier with MSI,” Snyder said. “The entire cutover took only 24 hours with minimal down time. And, our five-day training was more than sufficient to get our front desk staff up and running with confidence. We appreciate MSI’s continued support.”

About MSI
MSI, founded in 1990, is a leading supplier of hotel technology and property management systems. With an installed customer base of more than 2,800 hotels and resorts throughout North America, MSI is one of the lodging industry’s largest providers of fully integrated property management, sales, marketing & catering, point of sale, centralized corporate services, and wireless PM systems. MSI specializes in "total system solutions" for management companies and hotel chains by providing central reservation and property system integration. MSI's customer support team has been recognized as one of the best in the industry and is the key to the success of their products and services. For additional information about Multi-Systems, Inc. technology solutions, please contact Bridget Oliva at 800-331-7890 or info@msisolutions.com. For more information on MSI, visit www.msisolutions.com.