Oyo, Microsoft Announce Product, Tech Alliance

Microsoft and hotel company Oyo Homes have entered into a multiyear strategic alliance to co-develop “next-gen travel and hospitality products and technologies,” the companies announced. The announcement comes less than a month after Microsoft invested $5 million in Oyo.

Oyo will use Microsoft Azure for its cloud-based needs and innovations, which will be geared toward those “who operate small and medium hotel and home storefronts.”

As part of the partnership, Oyo will develop “smart-room experiences” for travelers on the Oyo platform using Microsoft Azure’s Internet of Things functionality, according to the companies. These will include self-check-in supported by a digital register of arrivals and departures and self-“know your customer,” and IoT-managed smart locks and virtual assistance.

“For our guests, this alliance will mean more personalization, better choices, differentiated experiences and an improved guest experience in the future,” said Oyo global COO and chief product officer Abhinav Sinha in a statement.

Prior to the pandemic, Oyo had been one of the fastest-growing companies in the hospitality industry. It had begun to reshuffle its business in early 2020, but those plans were accelerated after the company’s global revenue dropped nearly 60 percent amid the spread of Covid-19, according to Reuters, followed by massive layoffs around the world. In February 2021, the company announced a broader revamp of its leadership and organization.

Donna M. Airoldi www.businesstravelnews.com