Friday, July 07, 2006

Affordable hospitality software solution

Epicor's Scala Hospitality solution is a complete enterprise suite for hospitality organizations developed on Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 platform.
Epicor Software a provider of integrated enterprise software solutions for the midmarket, and Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH) have entered into an Endorsed Vendor agreement whereby Epicor will offer to provide its Scala Hospitality solution, part of the Epicor for Hospitality and Entertainment offering, to nearly 5,000 potential worldwide property franchisees of Choice Hotels International. Epicor's Scala Hospitality solution is a complete enterprise suite for hospitality organizations developed on Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 platform. The solution will be offered to the following Choice brand properties around the world: Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn.

Designed specifically for hotels like Choice Hotels' franchised properties, Epicor's hospitality solution has been optimized to ensure that property managers receive daily up-to-date management information that is guaranteed to provide a lower total cost of operating.

Because Epicor is an endorsed vendor in the Choice Hotels procurement system, Choice Hotels' franchisees will have the option to purchase the solution via the ChoiceBuys.com Web site.

'The combination of the Microsoft platform and Epicor's robust functionality made choosing the Epicor solution the right decision for us,' said Daniel Rothfeld, senior vice president, partner services of Choice Hotels International.

'After looking at a variety of proposals, we ultimately selected Scala Hospitality running on Windows over other solutions running on Linux.

By taking advantage of the power and simplicity of Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Epicor's Scala Hospitality will help further lower operating costs, and continue to leverage our financial commitment to Choice's property systems technology.' A fully integrated enterprise solution for financial management, material management, reporting and budgeting, Epicor's Scala Hospitality package available to Choice Hotels' franchisees includes: · Comprehensive Scala Hospitality solution · Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, including Microsoft SQL Server 2000 · Dell PowerEdge Servers and OptiPlex Desktops · Training and Installation · Integration to Choice International's Profit Manager property management system 'The Microsoft platform is focused on helping customers maximize the value of their technology investments,' said Mark Young, general manager, ISVs, Developer and Platform Evangelism at Microsoft Corp.

'We are excited to see Epicor build on our platform to deliver solutions, like Scala Hospitality, that have been tailored to the unique needs of the hospitality industry.' Epicor's Scala Hospitality solution has implementations in over 60 countries and in leading hotel properties around the world.

The continuing relationship with Choice Hotels and the opportunity to address the needs of its franchise community has allowed Epicor to offer a solid solution to support and enhance the procurement processes at the property level.

'Epicor is committed to delivering practical solutions to hospitality companies around the world,' said Mark Duffell, executive vice president of operations for Epicor.

'We're offering a world-class package that meets the needs of market-leading hospitality organizations like Choice Hotels International.

Our hospitality solution can help Choice's franchisees leverage their existing property management system through standardization, connectivity, integration, and advanced e-business foundations that will only pay further dividends.'