GPOS/Simphony Brand Standard Update

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This message is intended for owners and franchisees of Marriott-branded hotels in the U.S. & Canada. This information is not applicable to former Starwood-branded hotels at this time.

As previously communicated, we intend to migrate all POS systems to the Marriott network per the GPOS/Simphony a Global Brand Standard*. While we had intended for the GPOS standard to take effect on January 1, 2017, based on feedback from many of you regarding vendor capabilities, we have determined that this deadline will need to be extended. As such, effective January 1, 2018, all hotels with a point of sale system must install GPOS/Simphony on the Marriott network. Hosting GPOS on the Marriott network will enable better management and coordination of updates, version releases and of the system overall. Additionally, properties must process credit cards in their POS outlets through Chase/Elavon to enable tokenization.

As a reminder, hotels currently under contact with another provider (signed prior to March 31, 2015) should move to the brand standard as contracts expire.

Key Dates & Next Steps:

• Beginning March 1, 2016, all new builds were required to install GPOS/Simphony.
• The GPOS Brand Standard rollout to franchised hotels is being managed by Oracle and they are engaging Marriott as needed for specific tasks.
  • S. and Canadian properties should initiate the process of migrating to GPOS by emailing Oracle at marriottsales_na_grp@Oracle.com and providing the following information:
    • Marsha Code
    • Property name
    • Management Company
    • Region
    • Brand
    • PMS System

Please note that as of October 2016, there are more than 100 properties in queue for GPOS implementation with Oracle. Oracle will start installations at the rate of five installations per week beginning early next year.  Properties that have not yet signed up should contact Oracle to get in queue as soon as possible, as the average implementation process lead time is approximately 10-14 weeks.

For additional information, including best practices prior to GPOS implementation, please visit MGS. For questions about GPOS/Simphony requirements, please contact gpos@marriott.com

* Brand Standard applies to all Marriott properties excluding Autograph Collection Hotels, Protea Hotels, Marriott Vacation Club and third-party leased restaurants.