Staybridge Suites & Mainline Deliver First-of-its-kind Customer Solution, Virtually Changing the Way Business is Done.

Mainline joined with IBM, VMware and Devon IT 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, FL. The solution "go-live" launch took place during the hotel's grand opening the week of February 28, 2007.

A Solution that Changes the Definition of "Business as Usual"    
The Staybridge Suites Tallahassee hotel has 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).

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

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 a virtualized solution, applications are centrally managed, enabling stronger security, ease of management and improved resource allocation."

Virtual Solutions with Tangible Benefits
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 Staybridge Suites Tallahassee hotel defines its IT strategy around delivering the most advanced technology to its hotel 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 with industry-leading technology at a fraction of the cost we would have paid."

Mainline's VCS offering brings together the latest virtualization and server technologies, enabling customers to satisfy critical business needs as never before:

• Improve security of sensitive customer data to meet regulatory compliance requirements
• Lower costs through desktop standardization and reduced power consumption
• Centralize management and control, reducing the time required for deployment and maintenance
• Build a highly reliable, on-demand information network to empower company growth
• Provide network and data access for remote and outsourced employees

The success of Staybridge Suites Tallahassee's server-based solution speaks to the benefit of this technology deployment model. "One IT professional can operate the computing of the entire hotel from one central location in the data center. The hotel has already experienced the financial and energy savings that define this model," says Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. "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."

Thin-client computers are in each guest room, enabling always-live internet access on a secure network.

The Solution Partnerships that Make Implementation Easy
Mainline has a dedicated team to focus on VCS, and has established key partnerships with IBM, VMware, Devon IT and other leading connection brokers and thin-client vendors, to provide a comprehensive virtualized desktop solution. This means customers do not have to pull together a virtualization solution with segmented vendors working independently of one another. "Mainline has a complete solution offering, from design to implementation, and brings together the knowledge needed to successfully complete a solution roll-out," added Nemesi.

"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 right platform, software and services from Mainline and our VCS partners delivered a technology solution with bottom-line benefits.


Find out more at http://www.mainline.com