London, June 10th 2015 – iRiS Software Systems, the leading provider of guest-facing technology for the hospitality industry, has announced its collaboration with Microsoft Corp. to improve its Lobby product solution.
Working in conjunction with Microsoft, the solutions provider has reimagined the interactive hotel lobby kiosk application serving as a digital concierge, to deliver a native modern Windows 8.1 solution. The new application will be unveiled at HITEC, the world’s largest hospitality technology show, taking place in Austin, TX, from June 15th to June 18th at booth #413.
‘Developing our Lobby app on the Microsoft platform has considerably increased its performance, leading to a much enhanced guest experience that allows visitors to discover all of the hotel’s amenities and services in a user-friendly and playful way,’ said Jason Jefferys, iRiS Software Systems Founder and CEO.
Originally designed to deliver information about the hotel’s facilities and its surrounding area, the new iRiS Lobby enables guests to enjoy the Windows experience with animated widgets, Live Tiles and interactive swiping. Displayed on a large format touchscreen, they will be able to access any information in a seamless manner, such as city attractions, local weather forecasts or interactive maps including directions for walking, car and public transport.
Jefferys said ‘All the previous functions that have made the iRiS Lobby solution a success with hoteliers are still available; its multilingual and informative nature or its real-time reporting module are just a couple of them. However we are very proud of our new indoor way finding function. This was a priority for iRiS since this is one of the most demanded elements from travellers, which dramatically improves their stay. Developing this feature on Windows was incredible as the breadth and wealth of the platform make for seamless interaction.’
“Consumers today are more connected than ever, and expect the hospitality industry to innovate and deliver unique guest experiences during their hotel stays, “said Greg Jones, managing director, Worldwide Hospitality and Travel at Microsoft. “The iRiS Lobby solution provides guests with an engaging and powerful and interactive way to consume content and learn more about their surroundings, promising an enjoyable and educational stay, no matter where they are.”
