terminals, Pocket PCs, Smartphones, and
Portable Media Centers.
Smarter Hospitality takes advantage of Microsoft's
Windows Embedded family of operating systems, including Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, and
Windows Embedded for Point of Service, to provide a wide range of devices such as
POS systems,
kiosks, and
handhelds. Windows Mobile-based
Smartphones and
Pocket PCs will be utilized "to interact with guests in an enhanced and powerful way," according to Microsoft.
On the application software side, Smarter Hospitality will use Microsoft's .NET Framework programming model to build XML-based Web services and applications. It will also use
SQL Server 2000 for native analytics and reports, and
Speech Server 2004 to deliver the business value of speech in a cost-effective way, Microsoft says. And, the initiative will leverage
MapPoint, an integrated set of products and services providing mapping and location solutions.
The initiative leverages partnerships with more than 25 technology companies, and lodging and food services companies that include Best Western, Jack in the Box, Hyatt International, and MGM Mirage, Microsoft says.
Further details on Microsoft's Smarter Hospitality initiative are available
here.
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