Rezworks Acquires WinROOM Reservations Software System; WinROOM to be Integrated With VacationSpot.com as Foundation of Seamless Online Reservations Network

"Owners and managers in the inn and vacation rental segment are without information technology staffs, yet increasingly demand a complete marketing and reservations solution that is affordable and meets their unique needs," said Greg Slyngstad, co-founder at Rezworks. "Rezworks can offer property managers an end-to-end solution: the best standalone reservations and records management solution, and soon, the option of seamless online bookings through their own Website and VacationSpot.com ."

Traditionally, vacation property managers have used separate, often manual, systems for reservations, accounting and marketing. With the growth of online travel bookings, forecast by Forrester Research to become the fastest growing segment of electronic commerce by early 1999, there is greater demand from property managers and innkeepers for an integrated way to participate in new e-commerce opportunities. The Rezworks acquisition of the WinROOM software system is designed to provide property owners with affordable, high-quality tools to better market and manage their inventory, and deliver guests exceptional service.

"I've looked at most of the alternative reservation management solutions and the WinROOM software system is not only easy-to-use, but it solidly addresses the needs of specialized properties like inns and bed & breakfasts." said Dick Robinson, president of the Washington State Bed & Breakfast Guild and owner of Hillside House, a bed & breakfast in Friday Harbor, Wash. "Adopting vital technology such as WinROOM helps property owners and managers simplify their reservations process and improve their reporting abilities and allows them to easily provide personalized guest services."

Designed specifically for owners and managers of inns, small resorts and bed & breakfasts, WinROOM delivers a powerful selection of capabilities including the ability to track guest preferences and history, payment information and sales of incidental items. It automatically figures discounts, seasonal rates and different rate structures. WinROOM also provides the ability to create 18 different reports such as financial or tax reports, housekeeping reports, occupancy reports and arrival folios. All of this is done through an easy-to-use Microsoft Windows interface that utilizes familiar metaphors such as a visual guest ledger and standard Windows editing features.

Pricing & Availability

The WinROOM software system is available immediately from Rezworks by calling (800) 445-5527, or by sending email to [email protected]. The cost of WinROOM is $350 for a system that supports up to 25 units and $550 for a system that supports 26 to 100 units. A free evaluation version of WinROOM is available at . A new, fully-compatible release that integrates WinROOM inventory with VacationSpot.com is slated for introduction in the first half of 1999.

About Rezworks

Rezworks (Reservation Works, LLC) () is a Seattle-based company focused on delivering the most convenient, cost-effective and comprehensive travel reservations technology available. Founded by Steve Murch and Greg Slyngstad, both recognized technology veterans and former Microsoft executives, Rezworks launched its first service, VacationSpot.com (www.vacationspot.com), in Jan. 1998. VacationSpot.com, now the most popular place on the Internet to find and book vacation property rentals worldwide, is the premier partner for vacation rentals in the Expedia Travel Network (www.expedia.com) and is featured in the Marketplace section of MetaCrawler ( ). In Sept. 1998, Rezworks acquired the WinROOM reservations software system, revealing its strategy to create a seamless online booking network that combines VacationSpot.com with WinROOM. Microsoft Corp. MSFT acquired a minority equity interest in Rezworks in April 1998.