Mainline Joins IBM, VMware and Leading Vendors to Deliver a First-of-its-kind Virtual Desktop Solution

May 23, 2007

This first-ever hotel deployment of a Virtual Client Solution was implemented at Staybridge Suites' 100th hotel, and is changing the way business is done

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Mainline Information Systems, an IBM Premier Business Partner, has joined with IBM, VMware and leading thin-client solution component providers to deliver the first-ever virtual desktop solution implemented within a hotel. This virtual client solution (VCS) was deployed at Staybridge Suites' 100th hotel, located at Summit East, a high-tech office park in Tallahassee, Florida. The announcement was made at the hotel's grand opening earlier this year.

The Staybridge Suites Tallahassee hotel deployed thin-client computers in each guest room. Individual desktops are hosted on IBM BladeCenter servers located in the hotel's data center, and are accessed remotely via the thin-clients using remote desktop protocol (RDP).

As the first-ever VCS implementation deployed within a hotel, this solution is positioned to redefine the way many companies do business. "Companies are rethinking how desktops are deployed and managed," stated Bill Nemesi, Vice President of System x Sales for Mainline. "Traditionally, desktops have been time- and resource-intensive, with computers purchased and deployed for each individual within the company. This requires individualized, machine-specific maintenance. With VCS, applications are centrally managed, enabling stronger security, ease of management and improved resource allocation."

Mainline has a dedicated team to focus on VCS as a strategic growth initiative, and has established key partnerships with IBM, VMware, DevonIT and other leading connection brokers and thin-client vendors to provide a comprehensive virtualized desktop solution.

"We are excited to be working with IBM and Mainline to combine their leadership in thin-computing with our industry leading virtualization platform for industry standard servers," said Jerry Chen, Director of Enterprise Desktop Platforms and Solutions at VMware. "VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure delivers a unique solution that combines increased security and reduced IT management costs while preserving compatibility with a dedicated end-user desktop model."

"The Staybridge Suites Tallahassee hotel defines its IT strategy around delivering the most advanced technology to its guests," says Steve Cotton, the hotel's General Manager. "Thin-client computing with virtualized servers running on IBM BladeCenter servers was the most secure and cost-effective solution we could find. The tangible benefits have far outweighed those of traditional client-server models. Through this solution, we are providing our guests industry-leading technology at a fraction of the cost we would have paid."

The Staybridge Suites Tallahassee hotel focuses on delivering an exceptional guest experience. This includes leveraging VCS to provide always-live internet on secure thin-clients in every room. Because security is so critical, a "clean slate" approach is taken upon guest check-out, deleting all information accessed during their stay.

"The success of the Staybridge Suites Tallahassee's server-based solution speaks to our increased role as the leader in thin-client computing," says Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. "One IT professional can operate the computing of the entire hotel from one central location in the data storage unit, and the hotel has already experienced the financial and energy savings that defines this model. This server-based method has been successful in the financial, healthcare, and education industries, and we are proud to extend our innovative products and services to the service and hospitality industry as well."

About Mainline
Founded in 1989, Mainline began by offering information technology solutions and consulting in the IBM midrange markets. Since then, it has become an IBM Premier Business Partner and global provider of information technology and business solutions with more than 400 employees nationwide. In addition to its United States offices, Mainline Systems of Brazil, officially named Mainline Systems Do Brasil Comércio De Produtos De Informática LTDA, is an extension of Mainline in South America. Corporate headquarters are located at 1700 Summit Lake Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32317. The company may be reached by phone at 850.219.5000 and on the Internet at www.mainline.com.

About VMware
VMware, an EMC company (NYSE: EMC), is the global leader in virtual infrastructure software for industry-standard systems. The world's largest companies use VMware solutions to simplify their IT, fully leverage their existing computing investments and respond faster to changing business demands. VMware is based in Palo Alto, California. For more information, visit www.vmware.com or call 650-475-5000.

About DevonIT
Devon IT is an information technology company that focuses on offering thin-client terminals and ultra-secure remote access solutions that provide enterprise customers with greater security, enhanced manageability, improved reliability and lower costs. Devon IT is a founding member of Blade.org and develops products which support IBM's Hosted Client Infrastructure and Blade Computing ecosystem. More information is available at www.devonit.com.

About Staybridge Suites Hotels

Staybridge Suites is an innovative all-suite hotel brand meeting the needs of the extended-stay guest. It is ideal for travelers seeking a residential-style hotel that is perfect for business, relocation and vacations. The amenities include three suite types with fully equipped kitchens, a 24-hour convenience store, complimentary 24-hour business center with high-speed Internet access, complimentary guest laundry room, complimentary daily deluxe breakfast buffet and evening Sundowner receptions three days a week.

Staybridge Suites entered the extended-stay market in December 1998 when its flagship location in Alpharetta, Ga., opened. Staybridge Suites achieved its 50th, 75th and 100th hotel openings faster than any other brand in the upscale extended-stay segment.

Staybridge Suites was recently named the winner of the 2006 Annual Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI) for its category, having ranked highest in customer satisfaction among Upscale Hotels. To win the award, Staybridge Suites beat out a list of 18 competitors. Staybridge Suites previously took top MMHI honors for the extended-stay category in 2003 and 2004. Based on 35,000 customer interviews each quarter, the MMHI is the largest and most in-depth measure of hotel, airline and car rental performance available today

All company, brand or product names are registered trademarks or are trademarks of their respective holders.


For more information about this solution, call your Mainline account representative or call Mainline directly at
866.490.MAIN (6246).