New Windows Server “Flavor” - Pizza

No, Windows Server is not going to come in a new pepperoni flavor, in addition to the traditional SKU, but fact is that editions of Microsoft's server-based Windows operating system will play a role in running the next-generation store system platform for the Domino’s Pizza delivery chain. The world's leading pizza delivery chain, according to Microsoft, will standardize its 8,700-store global network with Microsoft software products, including Windows Server. The new store system solution for Domino's Pizza will be available not only for the company's 500 owned-stores, but also for 8,200 franchised locations.

“We strive to make every customer a loyal customer and needed the right tools with the lowest possible startup and maintenance costs to back our efforts,” explained Chris McGlothlin, executive vice president and chief information officer at Domino’s. “After a thorough investigation of competitive offerings, Microsoft’s complete solution and superior cost of ownership proved to be the best choice for our business model. By reducing the technology cost of ownership for our stores, our franchisees have been able to invest in other areas of the business, most notably in our menu expansion of oven-baked sandwiches.”

According to the Redmond company, the new store system solution will comprise a range of technologies in addition to Windows Server, including Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007, Microsoft Forefront, the 2007 Microsoft Office system and Windows Server Terminal Services. However, the new thin-client software architecture deployed by the pizza delivery chain will run Windows Server.

“Studies show that as much as 70 percent of information technology resources are typically devoted to sustaining and running existing capabilities, leaving few resources for exploring and implementing new functionality,” said Sandra Andrews, hospitality industry director at Microsoft. “Our goal is to help Domino’s concentrate on what it does best: sell great pizza. By using a high-value solution that is easy to integrate and manage within their existing infrastructure and runs consistently across all sites, Domino’s employees can allocate more time for the activities that will increase customer satisfaction and drive brand loyalty.”