09.05.2007 — Exceptional Innovation has created a version of its Lifeware home automation software for the hospitality industry. Called LifeAmenities, the package lets guests/residents schedule spa appointments, make restaurant reservations, schedule housekeeping services, control their in-room lighting and temperature and more, all through a simple TV-based interface that ties into Windows Media Center.

Because the solution is based on Media Center, LifeAmenities also gives guests access to a full range of entertainment features such as electronic programming guides, PVRs, music management and Internet radio.

The system ties into hotel-management systems and a variety of Web services -- say, for making reservations and checking out the local theater scene -- to create one seamless experience for the consumer and the hotel as well.

"It gives the hotel a totally new way to run a business," says Mike Seamons, VP of marketing for Exceptional Innovation. "Customers can order things without having to go through the hotel's own service. … There can be advertising and other revenue opportunities as well."

The amenities solution employs Microsoft BizTalk, which enables a seamless exchange of documents and information among a variety of applications, whether internal to an organization or external via the Web.

Seamons says that some hotels have contracted for the service already, and several are testing the product.